Many important reactions in chemistry and biochemistry are pH-dependent, meaning that the pH of the solution can play an important role in determining whether and how rapidly a reaction takes place. Consequently, buffers---solutions that help keep the pH stable---are important for running many experiments. Sodium acetate is a weakly basic salt and the conjugate base of acetic acid, or vinegar. A mixture of sodium acetate and acetic acid makes a good buffer for weakly acidic solutions. A few different ways exist to prepare an acetate buffer, but one method in particular is straightforward and relatively safe.