Final answer:
The reaction between potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) and NaOH is a neutralization reaction producing potassium sodium phthalate and water. The balanced chemical equation is KHC8H4O4(aq) + NaOH(aq) → KNaC8H4O4(aq) + H2O(l).
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical formula for the reaction between potassium hydrogen phthalate (often abbreviated as KHP) and NaOH (sodium hydroxide) is:
KHC8H4O4(aq) + NaOH(aq) → KNaC8H4O4(aq) + H2O(l)
In this reaction, potassium hydrogen phthalate reacts with sodium hydroxide to form potassium sodium phthalate and water. Sodium hydroxide acts as a strong base, fully dissociating in water to provide OH− ions, which neutralizes the acidic proton in the KHP molecule. The result of the reaction is a salt and water, demonstrating the typical characteristics of a neutralization reaction.