Which compound is represented by the chemical formula C2H3O2?

The compound represented by the chemical formula C2H3O2 is indeed acetate. Acetate is the conjugate base of acetic acid and is commonly encountered in various chemical contexts, particularly in organic chemistry and biochemistry. The formula indicates that acetate consists of two carbon atoms, three hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms.

Acetate is typically associated with the anion CH3COO^-, often seen in salts and esters. It plays essential roles in biological systems, such as in cellular metabolism and as a building block for synthetic organic compounds.

In contrast, other compounds listed—like oxalate, sulfate, and nitrate—have different structures and compositions. Oxalate, for example, is C2O4^2-, consisting of two carbon atoms and four oxygen atoms, while sulfate is SO4^2-, and nitrate is NO3^-. Thus, the specific arrangement of atoms in acetate, which includes its unique carbon-to-hydrogen and carbon-to-oxygen ratios, confirms it is accurately represented by C2H3O2.