Chapter 6: Problem 16
Which of the following is not a base according to any of the theories? (a) \(\mathrm{Mg}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}\) (b) \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\) (c) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{PO}_{4}^{-}\) (d) \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The compound that is not a base according to any of the theories is (d) BF₃.
Step by step solution
01
1. The Arrhenius Theory
According to the Arrhenius theory, a base is a compound that increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water. Let's check each compound:
(a) \(\mathrm{Mg}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}\): This compound dissociates into Mg2+ ions and 2 OH- ions when dissolved in water, so it is a base according to the Arrhenius theory.
(b) \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\): Ammonia doesn't contain hydroxide ions directly, so it may not seem like a base in the Arrhenius theory. However, it reacts with water to produce hydroxide ions: \(\mathrm{NH_{3}(aq) + H_{2}O(l) \rightarrow NH_{4}^{+}(aq) + OH^{-}(aq)}\), so it is considered a base according to the Arrhenius theory.
(c) \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{PO}_{4}^{-}\): This ion does not increase the concentration of hydroxide ions in the solution, so it is not a base according to the Arrhenius theory.
(d) \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\): Boron trifluoride does not increase hydroxide ions concentration in the solution, so it is not a base according to the Arrhenius theory.
02
2. The Brønsted-Lowry Theory
According to the Brønsted-Lowry theory, a base is a proton (H+) acceptor. Let's check each compound:
(a) \(\mathrm{Mg}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}\): Hydroxide ions in this compound can accept protons, so it is a base according to the Brønsted-Lowry theory.
(b) \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\): Ammonia can accept a proton to form \(\mathrm{NH}_{4}^{+}\), so it is a base according to the Brønsted-Lowry theory.
(c) \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{PO}_{4}^{-}\): This ion can accept a proton to form \(\mathrm{H}_{3}\mathrm{PO}_{4}\), so it is a base according to the Brønsted-Lowry theory.
(d) \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\): Boron trifluoride does not accept protons, so it is not a base according to the Brønsted-Lowry theory.
Now, we see that compounds (a), (b), and (c) are considered bases in at least one of the theories. In contrast, compound (d) \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\) doesn't fit the base criteria in any of the theories. Therefore, we can conclude:
03
Answer
The compound that is not a base according to any of the theories is (d) \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Arrhenius Theory
The Arrhenius theory of acids and bases is akin to a doorway into understanding reactions in aqueous solutions. Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius proposed this theory in 1884. It defines a base as a substance that, when dissolved in water, increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH^-). These ions are what give a solution its basic (or alkaline) properties.
For example, magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)_2), a common antacid, dissociates in water to produce OH^- ions. The presence of these OH^- ions confirms Mg(OH)_2 as a base under the Arrhenius theory. However, substances like ammonia (NH_3) that don't release hydroxide ions directly but can create them through reactions with water are also considered bases by this definition.
For example, magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)_2), a common antacid, dissociates in water to produce OH^- ions. The presence of these OH^- ions confirms Mg(OH)_2 as a base under the Arrhenius theory. However, substances like ammonia (NH_3) that don't release hydroxide ions directly but can create them through reactions with water are also considered bases by this definition.
Brønsted-Lowry Theory
Expanding our understanding of bases, the Brønsted-Lowry theory, introduced by scientists Johannes Nicolaus Brønsted and Thomas Martin Lowry in 1923, doesn't limit itself to aqueous solutions. Instead, it defines bases broadly as substances that can accept a proton, which is simply a hydrogen ion (H^+).
This definition includes substances like ammonia (NH_3), which accepts a proton to become ammonium (NH_4^+), and dihydrogen phosphate (H_2PO_4^-), which can accept a proton to form phosphoric acid (H_3PO_4). But not all compounds can accept protons. For example, boron trifluoride (BF_3) cannot, which is why it does not qualify as a base under the Brønsted-Lowry definition.
This definition includes substances like ammonia (NH_3), which accepts a proton to become ammonium (NH_4^+), and dihydrogen phosphate (H_2PO_4^-), which can accept a proton to form phosphoric acid (H_3PO_4). But not all compounds can accept protons. For example, boron trifluoride (BF_3) cannot, which is why it does not qualify as a base under the Brønsted-Lowry definition.
Proton Acceptor
At the heart of the Brønsted-Lowry theory is the concept of a 'proton acceptor.' This is essentially a base's defining role—accepting protons from acids in a proton transfer reaction. While this may sound simple, it's a fundamental aspect of countless chemical reactions, including those in biological systems.
Substances like NH_3 showcase this role beautifully by readily accepting a proton to form NH_4^+. Even the dihydrogen phosphate ion (H_2PO_4^-) stands as a proton acceptor, although it may not be intuitive to think of a negatively charged ion as a base without understanding its potential to form phosphoric acid.
Substances like NH_3 showcase this role beautifully by readily accepting a proton to form NH_4^+. Even the dihydrogen phosphate ion (H_2PO_4^-) stands as a proton acceptor, although it may not be intuitive to think of a negatively charged ion as a base without understanding its potential to form phosphoric acid.
Hydroxide Ions
Often symbolized as OH^-, hydroxide ions are negatively charged molecules consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom. They play an essential role in chemistry, particularly in defining the basicity of a substance according to the Arrhenius theory. If a substance can produce OH^- ions when dissolved in water, it increases the solution's pH level (making it more basic).
Compounds like Mg(OH)_2 are typical bases that release hydroxide ions into solutions, while NH_3 interacts with water to produce hydroxide ions indirectly. Regardless of their source, hydroxide ions are responsible for the characteristic properties of basic solutions, such as a slippery feel and the ability to turn red litmus paper blue.
Compounds like Mg(OH)_2 are typical bases that release hydroxide ions into solutions, while NH_3 interacts with water to produce hydroxide ions indirectly. Regardless of their source, hydroxide ions are responsible for the characteristic properties of basic solutions, such as a slippery feel and the ability to turn red litmus paper blue.