Unit 9 - Salts

An ester is an organic compound formed by the reaction of an organic acid and an alcohol. This reaction is known as esterification. Esters are commonly used as fragrances and flavors in various products. They have a pleasant smell and are often found in essential oils. Esters are also used as solvents, plasticizers, and in the production of polymers.

When negative ions from an acid combine with positive ions from a base, they form a compound called a salt. Salts are formed through a chemical reaction known as neutralization, where the acidic and basic properties are neutralized, resulting in the formation of a salt. Therefore, the correct answer is salt.

Fertilizer contains a base because it is typically made up of various compounds that provide essential nutrients to plants. These compounds often include bases such as ammonia or potassium hydroxide, which help to neutralize soil acidity and promote plant growth. Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic substances, while aspirin is a neutral compound. Therefore, fertilizer is the only option in the given list that contains a base.

Nitric, sulfuric, and phosphoric acids are commonly used in fertilizers. Nitric acid provides nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. Sulfuric acid helps to acidify the soil and increase the availability of other nutrients. Phosphoric acid provides phosphorus, another important nutrient for plants. These three acids are widely used in the formulation of fertilizers to ensure that plants receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.

Soaps are organic salts because they are formed by the reaction of a fatty acid with an alkali metal hydroxide. This reaction results in the formation of a salt called a soap. Soaps have a polar head (the salt) and a nonpolar tail (the fatty acid), which allows them to dissolve in both water and oil. Soaps are commonly used as cleansing agents due to their ability to remove dirt and oils from surfaces.

Soaps contain salts and detergents contain sulfonic or phosphoric acid groups. This is because soaps are made from natural fats or oils and are formed by the reaction of these fats or oils with an alkali, such as sodium hydroxide. This reaction produces a salt, which is the soap. On the other hand, detergents are synthetic compounds that are made from petroleum or other chemicals. They are formed by the reaction of a hydrocarbon chain with a sulfonic or phosphoric acid group, which gives detergents their cleaning properties.

The best choice of composition of cleaners for hard water is a long hydrocarbon chain with a sulfonic acid group. Hard water contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can cause soap scum and reduce the effectiveness of cleaning agents. Sulfonic acid is a strong acid that can effectively remove mineral deposits and break down soap scum. The long hydrocarbon chain provides the cleaning agent with the ability to dissolve oils and dirt, making it an effective choice for cleaning in hard water conditions.

Adding phosphates to detergents can cause overgrowth of algae in waterways. This is because phosphates act as a nutrient for algae, promoting their growth. When excessive amounts of algae grow in waterways, it can lead to various environmental issues such as oxygen depletion, harmful algal blooms, and disruption of aquatic ecosystems. This can negatively affect the balance of the ecosystem and harm aquatic life. Therefore, the presence of phosphates in detergents can have a detrimental impact on waterways.

A soap molecule is made up of a nonpolar carbon chain and a salt of carboxylic acid. The nonpolar carbon chain is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water, while the carboxylic acid group is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water. This unique structure allows soap molecules to interact with both water and oil, making them effective at removing dirt and grease from surfaces.