Reactions that form molecules: Weak Acids

Weak acids try to hold on to their protons, making a molecular species. Salts of weak acids such as sodium acetate are usually ionic compounds. HCl + NaC2H3O2 ---> ? HCl is a strong acid and NaC2H3O2 is an ionic salt, so H+ + Cl- + Na+ + C2H3O2- ---> ? Acetic acid is a weak acid, forming the HC2H3O2 molecule. H+ + Cl- + Na+ + C2H3O2- ---> HC2H3O2(aq) + Na+ + Cl- Finally, the net ionic equation shows what drives this reaction. H+ + C2H3O2- ---> HC2H3O2(aq)