Exactly how many moles of sodium bicarbonate () will be completely consumed during an acid-base neut — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Salicylic acid contains two acidic functional groups: a carboxylic acid group ($-COOH$) and a phenolic hydroxyl group ($-OH$). The $NaHCO_3$ test is only positive for acids stronger than $H_2CO_3$. The $-COOH$ group is strong enough to react, consuming 1 mole of $NaHCO_3$. The phenolic $-OH$ group is not acidic enough to react with $NaHCO_3$. Thus, only 1 mole is consumed.