Which of the following is the correct chemical equation for the dissociation of butanoic acid (C3H7COOH) in water, including the phases of all species?

• A. C3H7COOH(s) → C3H7COO^-(aq) + H^+(aq)
• B. C3H7COOH(aq) → C3H7COO^-(aq) + H^+(aq)
• C. C3H7COOH(aq) → C3H7COO^-(s) + H^+(aq)
• D. C3H7COOH(l) → C3H7COO^-(aq) + H^+(aq)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical species involved in the dissociation of butanoic acid: C3H7COOH, C3H7COO^-, and H^+.
2. Understand that dissociation in water typically involves the acid being in an aqueous phase, as it is dissolved in water.
3. Recognize that the products of the dissociation, C3H7COO^- and H^+, are ions and will also be in the aqueous phase.
4. Review the given options and eliminate any that do not have the reactant or products in the correct phases, focusing on the aqueous phase for both reactant and products.
5. Select the chemical equation that correctly represents the dissociation of butanoic acid in water with all species in their appropriate phases: C3H7COOH(aq) → C3H7COO^-(aq) + H^+(aq).