What are the products formed when carboxylic acids react with metal carbonates?

When carboxylic acids react with metal carbonates, the primary products formed are a salt, carbon dioxide, and water. This reaction is a typical acid-carbonate reaction where the carboxylic acid donates a proton (H⁺) to the carbonate. The carbonate, which has the formula CO₃²⁻, reacts with the acid to produce the respective salt, releasing carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) as a by-product. Additionally, water (H₂O) is formed during this reaction as the acidic hydrogen combines with hydroxide ions (OH⁻) from the carbonate.

For instance, if acetic acid (a carboxylic acid) reacts with sodium carbonate, sodium acetate (the salt), carbon dioxide (from the breakdown of the carbonate), and water are produced. This reaction is characterized by the effervescence observed when carbon dioxide is released, illustrating the formation of gas in the process. Thus, the combination of these three products—salt, carbon dioxide, and water—accurately reflects the chemical changes that occur during the reaction of carboxylic acids with metal carbonates.