[val1ant]

for a science experiment i am required to write relevant chemical equations to reactions that have occurred. im having trouble showing the corrosion of iron, aluminum and copper in acetic acid and citric acid.

heres what i have so far:

Fe + 2 CH3COOH → (CH3COO)2 Fe + H2

i think this is the reaction that iron and acetic acid undergo, but not too sure.

im lost as i dont know what happens to iron in acetic acid
and also what catalyses this reaction?

thanks in advance for you help

[Jasim]

Where/what are your charges? This is a redox reaction, charges are important. The iron changes it's charge. Acids reduce metals, meaning they remove oxygen from rust and decrease the charge on metal ions.

If you take a rusty nail and throw it in some acid, even a weak acid, the rust will disappear and you'll be left with a bright, shiny nail.

[Borek]

Where/what are your charges?

No need for charges here, this is correct and balanced redox reaction equation.