Complete this reaction of a carboxylic acid with a strong base.

C6H5COOH + OH - - > C6H5COO - + H2O

Explanation:

C6H5COOH + OH - - > C6H5COO - + H2O

In the reaction above, C6H5COOH donate a proton (H+) to form the carboxylate ion C6H5COO-. The proton (H+) combines with the OH - to form H2O.

This can better be understood in the illustration below

C6H5COOH + NaOH - > C6H5COONa + H2O