Chapter 16: Problem 50
Write all the species (except water) that are present in a phosphoric acid solution. Indicate which species can act as a Br枚nsted acid, which as a Bronsted base, and which as both a Bronsted acid and a Bronsted base.
Short Answer
Expert verified
H鈧働O鈧 (acid), H鈧侾O鈧勨伝 (both), HPO鈧劼测伝 (both), PO鈧劼斥伝 (base).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Components of Phosphoric Acid
Phosphoric acid, or H鈧働O鈧, is the starting point for this solution. It dissociates in water to form various ions and molecules.
02
First Dissociation and Ion Identification
H鈧働O鈧 (phosphoric acid) first dissociates to form H鈦 and H鈧侾O鈧勨伝 (dihydrogen phosphate ion). Here, H鈧働O鈧 acts as a Bronsted acid because it donates a proton (H鈦).
03
Second Dissociation and Ion Identification
H鈧侾O鈧勨伝 can further lose an H鈦 to become HPO鈧劼测伝 (hydrogen phosphate ion), while H鈧侾O鈧勨伝 can act as both a Bronsted acid (donating an H鈦) and a Bronsted base (accepting an H鈦 back to form H鈧働O鈧).
04
Third Dissociation and Final Ion Identification
HPO鈧劼测伝 may lose yet another H鈦 to form PO鈧劼斥伝 (phosphate ion), making HPO鈧劼测伝 also act as both a Bronsted acid (donating H鈦) and a Bronsted base (accepting H鈦 to become H鈧侾O鈧勨伝).
05
Identify Bronsted Properties of Final Ion
PO鈧劼斥伝, the phosphate ion, cannot donate a proton, thus it only acts as a Bronsted base by accepting a proton to revert to hydrogen phosphate (HPO鈧劼测伝).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Phosphoric Acid
Phosphoric acid is a well-known chemical compound with the formula \( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \). It is a colorless and odorless substance, commonly used in various industries, from fertilizers to food additives. The central atom in phosphoric acid is phosphorus, bonded to four oxygen atoms.
In aqueous solutions, phosphoric acid can donate protons (H鈦 ions), showcasing its nature as a Bronsted acid. This ability to donate protons sets the stage for subsequent chemical reactions, known as dissociation steps. In these processes, phosphoric acid progressively releases its hydrogen ions.
Understanding phosphoric acid involves recognizing its composition and its role in forming various ions during dissociation, each with specific Bronsted acid-base properties.
In aqueous solutions, phosphoric acid can donate protons (H鈦 ions), showcasing its nature as a Bronsted acid. This ability to donate protons sets the stage for subsequent chemical reactions, known as dissociation steps. In these processes, phosphoric acid progressively releases its hydrogen ions.
Understanding phosphoric acid involves recognizing its composition and its role in forming various ions during dissociation, each with specific Bronsted acid-base properties.
Dissociation Steps
The dissociation of phosphoric acid occurs in three distinct steps, each of which produces different ions that can behave as Bronsted acids or bases.
**First Dissociation Step:**
When phosphoric acid (\( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \)) donates a proton, it forms the dihydrogen phosphate ion (\( \text{H}_2\text{PO}_4^- \)). In this step:
**Second Dissociation Step:**
The dihydrogen phosphate ion can further release a proton to create the hydrogen phosphate ion (\( \text{HPO}_4^{2-} \)). In this instance:
**Third Dissociation Step:**
In the final step, hydrogen phosphate ion can dissociate another proton, resulting in the phosphate ion (\( \text{PO}_4^{3-} \)). Here:
Each dissociation step highlights the interchangeable roles of these ions as they donate and accept protons in solution.
**First Dissociation Step:**
When phosphoric acid (\( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \)) donates a proton, it forms the dihydrogen phosphate ion (\( \text{H}_2\text{PO}_4^- \)). In this step:
- \( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \) acts as a Bronsted acid by donating a proton.
- \( \text{H}_2\text{PO}_4^- \) can potentially accept a proton, acting as a Bronsted base.
**Second Dissociation Step:**
The dihydrogen phosphate ion can further release a proton to create the hydrogen phosphate ion (\( \text{HPO}_4^{2-} \)). In this instance:
- \( \text{H}_2\text{PO}_4^- \) functions as both a Bronsted acid and a Bronsted base.
- Newly formed \( \text{HPO}_4^{2-} \) can accept or donate a proton.
**Third Dissociation Step:**
In the final step, hydrogen phosphate ion can dissociate another proton, resulting in the phosphate ion (\( \text{PO}_4^{3-} \)). Here:
- \( \text{HPO}_4^{2-} \) again acts as both a Bronsted acid and a Bronsted base.
- The phosphate ion (\( \text{PO}_4^{3-} \)) primarily acts as a Bronsted base.
Each dissociation step highlights the interchangeable roles of these ions as they donate and accept protons in solution.
Phosphate Ions
In the context of phosphoric acid dissociation, phosphate ions refer to the various forms that emerge during the breakdown of \( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \). These ions are crucial because they play specific roles in proton transfer processes in solutions.
The progression from \( \text{H}_2\text{PO}_4^- \) to \( \text{HPO}_4^{2-} \) and finally to \( \text{PO}_4^{3-} \) illustrates how an ion's ability to donate or accept protons can change. This dynamic ability is key to the functionality of these ions in equilibrium reactions and buffer solutions.
**Characteristics of Phosphate Ions:**
Understanding these ions' roles helps clarify their function in biological systems and industrial applications where pH stability is crucial.
The progression from \( \text{H}_2\text{PO}_4^- \) to \( \text{HPO}_4^{2-} \) and finally to \( \text{PO}_4^{3-} \) illustrates how an ion's ability to donate or accept protons can change. This dynamic ability is key to the functionality of these ions in equilibrium reactions and buffer solutions.
**Characteristics of Phosphate Ions:**
- \( \text{H}_2\text{PO}_4^- \): Can act as both a donor and an acceptor of protons, displaying amphoteric behavior.
- \( \text{HPO}_4^{2-} \): Further emphasizes amphoterism by engaging in reactions as both a Bronsted acid and base.
- \( \text{PO}_4^{3-} \): Primarily a proton acceptor, characterizing its role as a Bronsted base.
Understanding these ions' roles helps clarify their function in biological systems and industrial applications where pH stability is crucial.