Sodium acetate can be produced from the reaction between acetic acid (usually used in the form of vinegar) and sodium carbonate (usually used in the form of washing soda). Sodium bicarbonate (also known as baking soda) or sodium hydroxide (also known as caustic soda) can be used as an alternative to sodium carbonate in this reaction. Industrially, this compound is prepared by reacting acetic acid with sodium hydroxide in the presence of water (which functions as a solvent).