Chapter 8: Problem 260
One of the following species acts as both Bronsted acid and base (a) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{PO}_{2}\) (b) \(\mathrm{HPO}_{3}^{2}\) (c) \(\mathrm{HPO}_{4}^{2}\) (d) all of the above
Short Answer
Expert verified
(c) HPO_{4}^{2-} can act as both an acid and a base.
Step by step solution
01
Understand Bronsted Acid and Base
A Bronsted acid is a species that can donate a proton (H^+) to another species, whereas a Bronsted base is a species that can accept a proton. Therefore, a molecule acting as both must be able to donate and accept a proton.
02
Evaluate H_{2}PO_{2}
The species H_{2}PO_{2} can donate a proton, forming HPO_{2}^{-}, but cannot accept a proton as it has no negative charge or easily accessible lone pairs for accepting protons. Thus, it can only act as an acid.
03
Evaluate HPO_{3}^{2-}
The species HPO_{3}^{2-} is a dianion and likely substantial negative charge could accept a proton, acting as a base. However, donating a proton to form H_{2}PO_{3}^{-} is unlikely because it already has a substantial negative charge. It is primarily a base.
04
Evaluate HPO_{4}^{2-}
This species can both donate and accept a proton. It can donate a proton to form PO_{4}^{3-}, acting as an acid. It can also accept a proton to form H_{2}PO_{4}^{-}, acting as a base. Hence, it can act as both a Bronsted acid and base.
05
Compare All Options
Among the given options, only HPO_{4}^{2-} can act as both a Bronsted acid and base. The others can only predominantly act as either an acid or a base, not both.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Proton Donation
In the context of Bronsted-Lowry theory, proton donation is a core characteristic of acids. When an acid donates a proton, it typically becomes a new species with one less positive charge. For example,
- The species \(H_{2}PO_{2}^{-}\) can donate a proton, creating \(HPO_{2}^{2-}\).
- Similarly, \(HPO_{4}^{2-}\) can donate a proton to form \(PO_{4}^{3-}\).
Proton Acceptance
Proton acceptance is the defining action of a Bronsted base. Bases typically have lone pairs of electrons or a negative charge that facilitates the acceptance of protons. Let's consider a few examples:
- The dianion \(HPO_{3}^{2-}\) has sufficient negative charge and can act as a base by accepting a proton to form \(H_{2}PO_{3}^{-}\).
- Also, \(HPO_{4}^{2-}\) can accept a proton to create \(H_{2}PO_{4}^{-}\).
Amphoteric Species
An amphoteric species is a versatile player in chemistry, capable of acting both as an acid and a base. This adaptability allows such species to donate and accept protons, depending on the surrounding chemical environment:
- \(HPO_{4}^{2-}\) is an excellent example of an amphoteric ion. It can donate a proton to form \(PO_{4}^{3-}\), behaving as an acid.
- Conversely, it can accept a proton to become \(H_{2}PO_{4}^{-}\), functioning as a base.
Acid-Base Reactions
Acid-base reactions are pivotal exchanges between proton donors (acids) and acceptors (bases). The interaction primarily results in the transfer of protons, which shapes the reaction dynamics. In the Bronsted-Lowry mode,
- An acid such as \(HPO_{4}^{2-}\) donates a proton to become \(PO_{4}^{3-}\), aligning with its acidic role.
- Simultaneously, this ion can accept a proton, transforming into \(H_{2}PO_{4}^{-}\), illustrating its basic side.