How does vinegar lower pH in seawater?

[Miami Reef]

Chemical formula please.

Just curious.

 

[Oregon Grown Reef]

Chemical formula please.

Just curious.

I don't have a chemical formula, but it contains acetic acid, which has a lower pH than 7 (neutral pH).

 

[Abarge16]

Isnt vinegars ph around 3?

 

[Oregon Grown Reef]

Isnt vinegars ph around 3?

Yes.

 

[Spare time]

While Randy will definitely have the answer as to what reactions happen, here you can see the hydrogens being added

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

if you add acetic acid in any form (vinegar, straight acetic acid, etc.) then it dissociates to acetate and H+, which lowers pH:

CH3CO2H —> CH3CO2- + H+