Qualitative Analysis of Acetate Ion

Take a pinch of salt on your palm. Rub with a pinch of oxalic acid and a drop of water. Smell of vinegar confirm CH₃COO^– ion.

CH₃COO^– + HOOC-COOH → CH₃COOH + CO₂ + H₂O

CH₃COO^– + H⁺ + C₂H₅OH → CH₃COOC₂H₅ (Ester)

Take a small quantity of salt in a test tube. Add dil H₂SO₄ (1 ml) and C₂H₅OH (1 ml). First smell indicates the presence of CH₃COO^– ion.