To determine the missing reactant [tex]\( X \)[/tex] in the given chemical reaction:
[tex]\[ NaOH + X \rightarrow NaCH_3COO + H_2O \][/tex]
we need to identify which of the given compounds reacts with [tex]\( NaOH \)[/tex] to form sodium acetate (NaCH₃COO) and water (H₂O).
Let's go through each compound one by one:
1. Ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH)
- This compound is a weak base and typically does not produce sodium acetate when reacting with sodium hydroxide.
2. Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄)
- When this compound reacts with sodium hydroxide, it usually forms sodium phosphate salts, not sodium acetate.
3. Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃)
- This reaction would produce sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) or bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), depending on the stoichiometry, and does not produce sodium acetate.
4. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH)
- When acetic acid reacts with sodium hydroxide, the reaction can be represented as:
[tex]\[ NaOH + CH₃COOH \rightarrow NaCH₃COO + H₂O \][/tex]
- This matches our products forming sodium acetate and water.
Given these considerations, the correct reactant [tex]\( X \)[/tex] that completes the reaction is acetic acid ([tex]\( CH₃COOH \)[/tex]).
Therefore, [tex]\( X \)[/tex] in the reaction [tex]\( NaOH + X \longrightarrow NaCH_3COO + H_2O \)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[ X = CH₃COOH \][/tex]
### Conclusion:
Among the choices given:
- [tex]\( NH₄OH \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( H₃PO₄ \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( H₂CO₃ \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( CH₃COOH \)[/tex]
The correct answer is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{CH_3COOH} \][/tex]
