Acetate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acetate |
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Acetate
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| Molar mass | 0 g mol-1 |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
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Acetate, also called ethanoate, is a chemical compound. It is a type of salt that comes from acetic acid. You might know acetic acid as the main ingredient in vinegar.
Acetate forms when acetic acid loses a tiny particle called a proton. When this happens, acetate becomes an ion, which is a charged atom or molecule. Its chemical formula as an ion is CH3COO-.
Acetate is often found as part of a larger compound, like sodium acetate. These compounds are usually made when acetic acid reacts with a base. This type of reaction is called a neutralization reaction, where an acid and a base mix to form a salt and water.
What is Acetate?
Acetate is a very common chemical. It is found in many places, both in nature and in things we use every day.
- In nature, acetate is made by many living things, like bacteria and plants. It plays an important role in how these organisms get energy and build their bodies.
- In our daily lives, acetate is used to make many different products. For example, it is used to make plastics, fibers for clothes, and even some food additives.
Acetate in Your Body
Your body actually makes and uses acetate! It is a key part of how your body processes fats and carbohydrates to get energy. When you eat food, your body breaks it down, and acetate can be one of the molecules created.
How is Acetate Used?
Acetate is a very useful chemical. Here are some ways it is used:
- In Industry: Acetate is used to make cellulose acetate, which is a material used for making film (like old movie film), fibers for clothes (like rayon), and even cigarette filters.
- As a Food Additive: Some acetate salts, like sodium acetate, are used in food as a preservative or to add flavor. For example, the tangy taste on some potato chips might come from sodium acetate.
- In Medicine: Acetate can be used in some medical treatments. For instance, it can be part of solutions given to patients in hospitals.
Images for kids
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acetate anion
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acetate ester
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The mixed acid fermentation pathway is characteristic of the family Enterobacteriaceae, which includes E. coli
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Space-filling model of the acetate anion
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resonance hybrid of the acetate anion
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canonical forms of the acetate anion
See also
In Spanish: Acetato para niños
