Chapter 15: Problem 32
Write an equation to describe the proton transfer that occurs when each of these acids is added to water. (a) \(\mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-}\) (b) \(\mathrm{HCl}\) (c) \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COOH}\) (d) \(\mathrm{HCN}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Proton transfer equations involve donating a proton to water, forming a conjugate base and hydronium ion.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Proton Donor
Each of the given acids can donate a proton to water. Identify the proton
that will be donated from each acid.
02
Write the Reaction for Each Acid
For each acid, illustrate a chemical equation showing the transfer of a proton to water, forming the corresponding conjugate base and hydronium ion, \( ext{H}_3 ext{O}^+\).
03
Equation for \(\mathrm{HCO}_3^-\)
The bicarbonate ion can donate a proton to water: \[\mathrm{HCO}_3^- + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{CO}_3^{2-} + \mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{O}^+\]
04
Equation for \(\mathrm{HCl}\)
Hydrochloric acid donates a proton to water: \[\mathrm{HCl} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{Cl}^- + \mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{O}^+\]
05
Equation for \(\mathrm{CH}_3\mathrm{COOH}\)
Acetic acid donates a proton to water: \[\mathrm{CH}_3\mathrm{COOH} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{CH}_3\mathrm{COO}^- + \mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{O}^+\]
06
Equation for \(\mathrm{HCN}\)
Hydrogen cyanide donates a proton to water: \[\mathrm{HCN} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{CN}^- + \mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{O}^+\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Acid-Base Reactions
Acid-base reactions are a fundamental part of chemistry, often involved in various natural and industrial processes. When an acid is added to water, it typically undergoes a proton transfer reaction. In these reactions, the acid donates a proton, often described as a hydrogen ion ( ext{H}^+), to water. This transfer results in the formation of a new ion and the water molecule being transformed into a hydronium ion ( ext{H}_3 ext{O}^+).
In these reactions:
In these reactions:
- The acid is known as the proton donor.
- The base, usually water, is known as the proton acceptor.
- The product is a conjugate base, left after the acid loses its proton.
- The resulting hydronium ion is a central marker of acidity.
Conjugate Base
The term 'conjugate base' refers to what remains of an acid molecule after it donates a proton in an acid-base reaction. For example, when the bicarbonate ion ( ext{HCO}_3^-), hydrochloric acid ( ext{HCl}), acetic acid ( ext{CH}_3 ext{COOH}), and hydrogen cyanide ( ext{HCN}) donate protons to water, they form the following conjugate bases:
- Bicarbonate becomes the carbonate ion ( ext{CO}_3^{2-}).
- Hydrochloric acid becomes the chloride ion ( ext{Cl}^-).
- Acetic acid becomes the acetate ion ( ext{CH}_3 ext{COO}^-).
- Hydrogen cyanide becomes the cyanide ion ( ext{CN}^-).
Hydronium Ion
The hydronium ion is a pivotal player in acid-base chemistry, formed when an acid donates a proton to water. It's denoted by the formula ext{H}_3 ext{O}^+. This ion represents the true nature of hydrogen ions in aqueous solutions.
Let's break down its formation:
Let's break down its formation:
- Upon adding any acid to water, a proton from the acid combines with a water molecule.
- This creates the hydronium ion, distinguishing acidic solutions by increasing the concentration of ext{H}_3 ext{O}^+ ions.
Chemical Equations
Chemical equations are the language of chemistry, used to depict the interactions between different molecules in a reaction. For acid-base reactions, these equations show the transfer of ions, especially protons, in a clear and concise manner.
When writing chemical equations:
When writing chemical equations:
- Identify the reactants and products in the reaction.
- Include the proton donor (acid), proton acceptor (usually water), and the resultant ions, such as the conjugate base and hydronium ion.
- Ensure the equation is balanced, meaning the number of atoms on each side remains equal.
- Each acid reacts with ext{H}_2 ext{O}, producing a conjugate base and ext{H}_3 ext{O}^+.