Aniline, C6H5NH2, is a weak base widely used in the manufacture of dyes. A student investigates its acid–base properties in water at 25∘C.
(a) Provide the formula and IUPAC name of the species produced when aniline accepts a proton from water.
(b) The conjugate acid produced in part (a) can itself donate a proton. Write the formula for the species produced when this conjugate acid donates a proton to water.
(c) Without performing a numerical calculation, predict whether a 0.010M aqueous solution of aniline is acidic, basic, or nearly neutral. Support your prediction by writing the pertinent chemical equations and explaining your reasoning in terms of relative strengths of the conjugate acid–base pairs involved.