Dear Enceph;
Let’s say it a little simpler to not stress/forget all or any definition of Acids and Bases:
The O-H bond of the Acid is by far the bond with the most ionic nature, and ionic bonds tend to dissociate in water to a certain amount:
CH3CO-O-H <-----> CH3CO-O- + H+ (H+ mostly written as H3O+)
Similar is true for the Me-O bond of the Sodium hydroxide:
Na-O-H <-----> Na+ + HO-
But as the Equilibrium in water of :
H3O+ + HO- <-----> 2H2O(liq.) lies very strong on the right side the “final” Salt Sodium Acetate is remaining in ionic form, and that’s also the “form” how you can isolate it.
I hope this may help to give you an Idea.
Good Luck!
ARGOS++
P.S.: Sorry to all them, they think this may be “drawn” too simplified!
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