CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · A Level · Chemistry · Acids and bases · Acids and bases
Problem
Hydrogen carbonate ion, HCO3−(aq), is amphiprotic. In separate experiments it is reacted with (1) hydrofluoric acid, HF(aq), and (2) ammonia, NH3(aq), with water as the solvent at 25 °C.
For each experiment perform the tasks below.
(a) Write a balanced net-ionic equation for the proton-transfer reaction between HCO3− and HF.
(b) Label the conjugate acid–base pairs in the equation from part (a).
(c) Write a balanced net-ionic equation for the proton-transfer reaction between HCO3− and NH3.
(d) Label the conjugate acid–base pairs in the equation from part (c).
(e) Using your results, explain in one paragraph why HCO3− is classified as amphiprotic.