What is the formula for acetate?

The formula for acetate is C2H3O2-. Acetate is the conjugate base of acetic acid and is commonly represented as a negatively charged ion (anion) derived from acetic acid (CH3COOH). In its ionic form, acetate carries a single negative charge, which is indicated by the superscript minus at the end of the formula.

In C2H3O2-, the two carbon atoms, three hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms reflect the molecular structure of the acetate ion. This formula is critical in various chemical contexts, including buffer solutions in biochemistry and organic chemistry reactions.

The other formulas do not represent acetate. CO3^2- is the carbonate ion; HCO3^1- represents bicarbonate; and NO3- is the nitrate ion. Each of these ions has distinct properties and structures that differentiate them from acetate. Thus, understanding the specific composition of acetate is essential for recognizing its role in various chemical contexts.