Acids and Bases

Arrhenius (or Classical) Acid-Base Definition

An acid is a substance that contains hydrogen and dissociates

in water to yield a hydronium ion : H3O+

A base is a substance that contains the hydroxyl group and

dissociates in water to yield : OH -

Neutralization is the reaction of an H+ (H3O+) ion from the

acid and the OH - ion from the base to form water, H2O.

The neutralization reaction is exothermic and releases approximately

56 kJ per mole of acid and base.

H+(aq) + OH-(aq) H2O(l) H0rxn = -55.9 kJ

 Brønsted-Lowry Acid-Base Definition

An acid is a proton donor, any species that donates an H+ ion.

An acid must contain H in its formula; HNO3 and H2PO4- are two
examples, all Arrhenius acids are Brønsted-Lowry acids.

A base is a proton acceptor, any species that accepts an H+ ion.

A base must contain a lone pair of electrons to bind the H+ ion;
a few examples are NH3, CO32-, F -, as well as OH -.
Brønsted-Lowry bases are not Arrhenius bases, but all Arrhenius
bases contain the Brønsted-Lowry base OH-.

Therefore in the Brønsted-Lowry perspective, one species donates a

proton and another species accepts it: an acid-base reaction is a
proton transfer process.

Acids donate a proton to water

Bases accept a proton from water

Acid Base Conjugate Conjugate
acid base
 The Acid-Dissociation Constant (Ka)

Strong acids dissociate completely into ions in water:

HA(g or l) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + A-(aq)
In a dilute solution of a strong acid, almost no HA molecules
exist: [H3O+] = [HA]init or [HA]eq = 0

[H3O+][A-]
Qc = at equilibrium, Qc = Kc >> 1
[HA][H2O]
Nitric acid is an example: HNO3 (l) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + NO3-(aq)

Weak acids dissociate very slightly into ions in water:

HA(aq) + H2O(aq) H3O+(aq) + A-(aq)

In a dilute solution of a weak acid, the great majority of HA

molecules are undissociated: [H3O+] << [HA]init or [HA]eq = [HA]init

[H3O+][A-]
Qc = at equilibrium, Qc = Kc << 1
[HA][H2O]
The Meaning of Ka, the Acid Dissociation Constant

For the ionization of an acid, HA:

HA(aq) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + A-(aq)
Since the concentration of water is
[H3O+] [A-]
Kc = high, and does not change significantly
[HA] [H2O] during the reaction, it’s value is absorbed
into the constant.
Therefore:
[H3O+] [A-] The stronger the acid, the higher the [H3O+]
Kc =
[HA] at equilibrium, and the larger the Ka:

Stronger acid higher [H3O+] larger Ka

For a weak acid with a relative high Ka (~10-2 ), a 1 M solution

has ~10% of the HA molecules dissociated.
For a weak acid with a moderate Ka (~10-5 ), a 1 M solution
has ~ 0.3% of the HA molecules dissociated.
For a weak acid with a relatively low Ka (~10-10 ), a 1 M solution
has ~ 0.001% of the HA molecules dissociated.
A Strong Acid

A Weak Acid
 The Extent of
Dissociation for Strong
and Weak Acids
 The Stepwise Dissociation of Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric acid is a weak acid, and normally only looses one proton
in solution, but it will lose all three when reacted with a strong base
with heat. The ionization constants are given for comparison.

H3PO4 (aq) + H2O(l) H2PO4-(aq) + H3O+(aq)

H2PO4-(aq) + H2O(l) HPO42-(aq) + H3O+(aq)

HPO42-(aq) + H2O(l) PO43-(aq) + H3O+(aq)

H3PO4 (aq) + 3 H2O(l) PO43-(aq) + 3 H3O+(aq)

 The Conjugate Pairs in Some Acid-Base Reactions

Conjugate Pair

Acid + Base Base + Acid

Conjugate Pair

Reaction 1 HF + H 2O F– + H 3O +

Reaction 2 HCOOH + CN– HCOO– + HCN

Reaction 3 NH4+ + CO32– NH3 + HCO3–

Reaction 4 H2PO4– + OH– HPO42– + H 2O

Reaction 5 H2SO4 + N 2 H5 + HSO4– + N2H62+

Reaction 6 HPO42– + SO32– PO43– + HSO3–

 Identifying Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs

Problem: The following chemical reactions are important for industrial

processes. Identify the conjugate acid-base pairs.
(a) HSO4-(aq) + CN-(aq) SO42-(aq) + HCN(aq)
(b) ClO-(aq) + H2O(l) HClO(aq) + OH-(aq)
(c) S2-(aq) + H2O(aq) HS-(aq) + OH-(aq)
Plan: To find the conjugate acid-base pairs, we find the species that
donate H+ and those that accept it. The acid (or base) on the left
becomes its conjugate base (or acid) on the right.
Solution:

(a) The proton is transferred from the sulfate to the cyanide so:
HSO4-(aq)/SO42-(aq) and CN-(aq)/HCN(aq ) are the two acid-base pairs.
(b) The water gives up one proton to the hypochlorite anion so:
ClO-(aq)/HClO(aq) and H2O(l) / OH-(aq ) are the two acid-base pairs.
(c) One of water’s protons is transferred to the sulfide ion so:
S2-(aq)/HS-(aq) and H2O(l)/OH-(aq) are the two acid-base pairs.
 Autoionization of Water

H2O(l) + H2O(l) H3O+ + OH-

[H3O+][OH-]
Kc =
[H2O]2

The ion-product for water, Kw:

Kc[H2O]2 = Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14 (at 25°C)

For pure water the concentration of hydroxyl and hydronium ions

must be equal:

[H3O+] = [OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14 = 1.0 x 10 -7 M (at 25°C)

1000g/L
The molarity of pure water is: = M
18.02 g/mol
The pH Values of Some Familiar
Aqueous
Solutions

[H3O+]
KW
[OH-] =
[H3O+]

[OH-]

[H3O+]> [H3O+]<
[OH-] [OH-]

acidic neutral
solution solution
basic [H3O+] =
solution [OH-]
 The Relationship Between Ka and pKa

Acid Name (Formula) Ka at 25oC pKa

Hydrogen sulfate ion (HSO4-) 1.02 x 10-2 1.991

Nitrous acid (HNO2) 7.1 x 10-4 3.15

Acetic acid (CH3COOH) 1.8 x 10-5 4.74

Hypobromous acid (HBrO) 2.3 x 10-9 8.64

Phenol (C6H5OH) 1.0 x 10-10 10.00

 Acid and Base Character and the pH Scale

In acidic solutions, the protons that are released into solution will not
remain alone due to their large positive charge density and small size.
They are attracted to the negatively charged electrons on the oxygen
atoms in water, and form hydronium ions.

H+(aq) + H2O(l) = H3O+(l) [H+] = [H3O+]

To handle the very large variations in the concentrations of the hydrogen
ion in aqueous solutions, a scale called the pH scale is used which is:

pH = - log[H3O+]
What is the pH of a solution that is 10-12 M in hydronium ion ?
pH = -log[H3O+] = (-1)log 10-12 = (-1)(-12) = 12
What is the pH of a solution that is 7.3 x 10-9 M in H3O+ ?
pH = -log(7.3 x 10-9) = -1(log 7.3 + log 10-9) = -1[(0.863)+(-9)] = 8.14
pH of a neutral solution = 7.00
pH of an acidic solution < 7.00
pH of a basic solution > 7.00
Classifying the Relative Strengths of Acids and Bases–I

Strong acids. There are two types of strong acids:

1. The hydrohalic acids HCl, HBr, and HI
2. Oxoacids in which the number of O atoms exceeds the number of
ionizable H atoms by two or more, such as HNO3, H2SO4, HClO4

Weak acids. There are many more weak acids than strong ones. Four
types, with examples, are:
1. The hydrohalic acid HF
2. Those acids in which H is bounded to O or to halogen, such as
HCN and H2S
3. Oxoacids in which the number of O atoms equals or exceeds by one
the number of ionizable H atoms, such as HClO, HNO2, and H3PO4
4. Organic acids (general formula RCOOH), such as CH3COOH and
C6H5COOH
Classifying the Relative Strengths of Acids and Bases–II

Strong bases. Soluble compounds containing O2- or OH- ions are strong
bases. The cations are usually those of the most active metals:
1) M2O or MOH, where M= Group 1A(1) metals (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs)
2) MO or M(OH)2, where M = Group 2A(2) metals (Ca, Sr, Ba)
[MgO and Mg(OH)2 are only slightly soluble, but the soluble
portion dissociates completely.]

Weak bases. Many compounds with an electron-rich nitrogen are weak

bases (none are Arrhenius bases). The common structural feature
is an N atom that has a lone electron pair in its Lewis structure.
1) Ammonia (:NH3)
:

:
2) Amines (general formula RNH2, R2NH, R3N), such as
CH3CH2NH2, (CH3)2NH, (C3H7)3N, and C5H5N
:

:
Methods for Measuring the pH of an
Aqueous Solution

(a) pH paper (b) Electrodes of a pH meter

 Calculating [H3O+], pH, [OH-], and pOH

Problem: A chemist dilutes concentrated hydrochloric acid to make

two solutions: (a) 3.0 M and (b) 0.0024 M. Calculate the
[H3O+], pH, [OH-], and pOH of the two solutions at 25°C.
Plan: We know that hydrochloric acid is a strong acid, so it dissociates
completely in water; therefore [H3O+] = [HCl]init.. We use the [H3O+] to
calculate the [OH-] and pH as well as pOH.
Solution:

(a) [H3O+] = 3.0 M pH = -log[H3O+] = -log(3.0) = ________

Kw 1 x 10-14
[OH-] = = = _________________ M
[H3O+] 3.0
pOH = - log(3.333 x 10-15) = 15.000 - 0.477 = _______
(b) [H3O+] = 0.0024 M pH = -log[H3O+] = -log(0.0024) = _______
Kw 1 x 10-14
[OH-] = = = ________________ M
[H3O+] 0.0024

pOH = -log(4.167 x 10-12) = 12.000 - 0.6198 = __________

Calculate the pH of a 1.00 M HNO2 Solution

Problem: Calculate the pH of a 1.00 M Solution of Nitrous acid HNO2.

Solution:
HNO2 (aq) H+(aq) + NO2-(aq) Ka = 4.0 x 10-4

Initial concentrations = [H+] = 0 , [NO2-] = 0 , [HNO2] = 1.00 M

Final concentrations = [H+] = x , [NO2-] = x , [HNO2] = 1.00 M - x

[H+] [NO2-] = 4.0 x 10-4 = (x) (x)

Ka =
[HNO2] 1.00 - x
Assume 1.00 – x = 1.00 to simplify the problem.
x2
= 4.0 x 10-4 or x2 = 4.0 x 10-4
1.00
x = 2.0 x 10-2 = 0.02 M = [H+] = [NO2-]

pH = - log[H+] = - log(2.0 x 10-2) = 2.00 – 0.30 = ___________

Solving Weak Acid
Equilibrium Problems

List the major species in the solution.

Choose the species that can produce H+, and write balanced equations for the
reactions producing H+.
Comparing the values of the equilibrium constants for the reactions you have
written, decide which reaction will dominate in the production of H+.
Write the equilibrium expression for the dominant reaction.
List the initial concentrations of the species participating in the dominate
reaction.
Define the change needed to achieve equilibrium; that is, define x.
Write the equilibrium concentrations in terms of x.
Substitute the equilibrium concentrations into the equilibrium expression.
Solve for x the “easy” way-that is, by assuming that [HA]0 – x = [HA]0
Verify whether the approximation is valid ( the 5% rule is the test in this case).
Calculate [H+] and pH.
Calculate the pH of a solution that contains 1.00 M HF
(Ka = 7.2 x 10-4) and 5.00 M HOCl (Ka = 3.5 x 10-8). Also calculate the
concentrations of the Fluoride and Hypochlorite ions at equilibrium.

Three components produce H+:

HF(aq) H+(aq) + F-(aq) Ka = 7.2 x 10-4

HOCl(aq) H+(aq) + OCl-(aq) Ka = 3.5 x 10-8

H2O(aq) H+(aq) + OH-(aq) Ka = 1.0 x 10-14

Even though HF is a weak acid, it has by far the greatest Ka,

therefore it will be the dominate producer of H+.

Ka = [H+] [F-] = 7.2 x 10-4

[HF]
 Initial Concentration Equilibrium Concentration
(mol/L) (mol/L)

[HF]0 = 1.00 [HF] = 1.00 – x

[F-] = 0 x mol HF [F-] = x
[H+] =~0 dissociates [H+] = x

[H+] [F-] = 7.2 x 10-4 = (x) (x) x2

Ka = = x = 2.7 x 10-2
[HF] 1.00-x 1.00

x = 2.7 x 10-2 using the 5% rule: x 2.7 x 10-2

= x 100% = 2.7%
[HF]0 1.00
Therefore,

[F- ] = [H+] = x = 2.7 x 10-2 and pH = ___________

 Ka = [H+] [OCl-] = 3.5 x 10-8
[HOCl]

[HOCl] = 5.00 M ; [OCl-] = x

(2.7 x 10-2)[OCl-]
3.5 x 10-8 = Assume: 5.00 – x = 5.00
(5.00 - x)

[OCl-] = 5.00 ( 3.5 x 10-8) = 6.48 x 10-6 M

2.7 x 10-2

pH = 1.56

[F-] = 2.7 x 10-2 M ; [OCl-] = 6.48 x 10-6 M

Problem: Calculate the Percent dissociation of a 0.0100M Hydrocyanic
acid solution, Ka = 6.20 x 10-10.

HCN(aq) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + CN- (aq)

HCN H3 O+ CN-

Initial 0.0100M 0 0 Ka = [H3O+][CN-]

Change -x +x +x [HCN]
Final 0.0100 –x x x
Ka = = (x)(x)
6.20 x 10-10
Assume 0.0100-x = 0.0100 (0.0100-x)
x2
= Ka = 6.2 x 10-10
0.0100
x = 2.49 x 10-6

% dissociation = 2.49 x 10-6x 100% = ______________

0.0100
 Finding the Ka of a Weak Acid from the pH
of its Solution–I

Problem: The weak acid hypochlorous acid is formed in leach solutions. If the pH of
a 0.12 M solution of HClO is 4.19, what is the value of the Ka of this weak acid.
Plan: We are given [HClO]initial and the pH which will allow us to find [H3O+] and,
hence, the hypochlorite anion concentration, so we can write the reaction and
expression for Ka and solve directly.
Solution:

Calculating [H3O+] : [H3O+] = 10-pH = 10-4.19 = 6.46 x 10-5 M

Concentration (M) HClO(aq) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + ClO -(aq)

Initial 0.12 ---- ------- -------

Change -x ---- +x +x
Equilibrium 0.12 -x ---- +x +x

Assumptions: [H3O+] = [H3O+]HClO

since HClO is a weak acid, we assume 0.12 M - x = 0.12 M
 Finding the Ka of a Weak Acid from the pH of
its Solution–II

HClO(aq) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + ClO -(aq)

x = [H3O+] = [ClO-] = 6.46 x 10-5 M

[H3O+] [ClO-] (6.46 x 10-5 M) (6.46 x 10-5 M)

Ka = = = 348 x 10-10
[HClO] 0.12 M

Ka = 3.48 x 10-8 In text books it is found to be: 3.5 x 10-8

Checking:
1 x 10-7 M
1. For [H3O+]from water : x 100 = 0.155%
-5
6.46 x 10 M assumption is OK

6.46 x 10-5 M
2. For [HClO]dissoc : x 100 = 0.0538 %
0.12 M
Determining Concentrations from Ka and Initial [HA]

Problem: Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid formed in laundry bleach.

What is the [H3O+] of a 0.125 M HClO solution? Ka = 3.5 x 10-8
Plan: We need to find [H3O+]. First we write the balanced equation and
the expression for Ka and solve for the hydronium ion concentration.
Solution:
HClO(aq) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + ClO-(aq)

[H3O+] [ClO-]
Ka = = 3.5 x 10-8
[HClO]

Concentration (M) HClO H 2O H 3 O+ ClO-

Initial 0.125 ---- 0 0

Change -x ---- +x +x
Equilibrium 0.125 - x ---- x x

(x)(x) assume 0.125 - x = 0.125

Ka = = 3.5 x 10-8
0.125-x x2 = 0.4375 x 10-8 x = 0.661 x 10-4
 Solving Problems Involving Weak-Acid Equilibria–I

There are two general types of equilibrium problems involving weak

acids and their conjugate bases:
1. Given equilibrium concentrations, find Ka.
2. Given Ka and some concentration information, find the other
equilibrium concentrations.

The problem-solving approach.

1. Write the balanced equation and Ka expression; these will tell you
what to find.
2. Define x as the unknown concentration that changes during the
reaction. Frequently, x = [HA]dissoc., the concentration of HA that
dissociates which, through the use of certain assumptions, also
equals [H3O+] and [A-] at equilibrium.
3. Construct a reaction table that incorporates the unknown.
4. Make assumptions that simplify the calculation, usually that x is
very small relative to the initial concentration.
Solving Problems Involving Weak-Acid Equilibria–II

5. Substitute the values into the Ka expression and solve for x.

6. Check that the assumptions are justified. We normally apply the 5% rule; if the
value of x is greater than 5% of the value it is compared with, you must use
the quadratic formula to find x.
The notation system. Molar concentrations of species are indicated by using square
brackets around the species of interest. Brackets with no subscript refer to the molar
concentration of the species at equilibrium.
The assumptions. The two key assumptions to simplify the
arithmetic are:
1. The [H3O+] from the autoionization of water is negligible. In fact, the
presence of acid from whatever is put into solution will hinder the
autoionization of water, and make it even less important.
2. A weak acid has a small Ka. Therefore, it dissociates to such a small extent
that we can neglect the change in its concentration to find its equilibrium
concentration.
Source: Visuals Unlimited
 Like Example 7.5 (P 243)

Calculate the pH of a 2.0 x 10-3 M solution of NaOH.

Since NaOH is a strong base, it will dissociate 100% in water.

NaOH(aq) Na+(aq) + OH-(aq)

Since [NaOH] = 2.0 x 10-3 M , [OH-] = 2.0 x 10-3 M

The concentration of [H+] can be calculated from Kw:

Kw 1.0 x 10-14= 5.0 x 10-12 M

[H+] = [OH-]= 2.0 x 10-3

pH = - log [H+] = - log( 5.0 x 10-12) =12.00 – 0.70 = _________

 Amines: Bases with the Nitrogen Atom
.. ..
N N
H3C H H .. H3C H CH3
Methylamine N Dimethylamine

..
N
Pyridine
..
H3C CH CH3 N
3
Trimethylamine
H H C2H5
Ethylamine
 Determining pH from Kb and Initial [B]–I

Problem: Ammonia is commonly used cleaning agent in households and

is a weak base, with a Kb of 1.8 x 10-5. What is the pH of a 1.5 M NH3
solution?
Plan: Ammonia reacts with water to form [OH-] and then calculate
[H3O+] and the pH. The balanced equation and Kb expression are:

NH3 (aq) + H2O(l) NH4+(aq) + OH-(aq)

[NH4+] [OH-]
Kb =
[NH3]

Concentration (M) NH3 H2 O NH4+ OH-

Initial 1.5 ---- 0 0

Change -x ---- +x +x
Equilibrium 1.5 - x ---- x x

making the assumption: since Kb is small: 1.5 M - x = 1.5 M

 The Relation Between Ka and Kb of a Conjugate
Acid-Base Pair

Acid HA + H2O H3O+ + A-

Base A- + H 2O HA + OH-

2 H2 O H3O+ + OH-

[H3O+] [A-] [HA] [OH-]

[H3O+] [OH-] = x
[HA] [A-]

Kw = Ka x Kb

Ka = 4.5 x 10-4

For HNO2 Ka x Kb = (4.5 x 10-4)(2.2 x 10-11) = 9.9 x 10-15

Kb = 2.2 x 10-11 or ~ 10 x 10-15 = 1 x 10 -14 = Kw

Calculate the pH of a 5.0 M H3PO4 solution and determine
equilibrium concentrations of the species: H3PO4 , H2PO4-, HPO4-2,
and PO4-3.

Solution:
H3PO4 (aq) H+(aq) + H2PO4-(aq)
[H+][H2PO4-]
Ka = 7.5 x 10-3 =
[H3PO4]

Initial Concentration (mol/L) Equilibrium Concentration (mol/L)

[H3PO4]0 = 5.0 [H3PO4] = 5.0 - x

[H2PO4-]0 = 0 [H2PO4-] =x
[H+]0 = 0 [H+] = x

[H+][H2PO4-] (x)(x) ~ x2
Ka1 = 7.5 x 10-3 = = =
[H3PO4] 5.0-x 5.0
 ~ x 10-1 Since 1.9 x 10-1 is less than 5% of 5.0, the
Solving for x = 1.9
approximation is acceptable and:

[H+] = x = 0.19 M = [H2PO4-] , pH = 0.72 [H3PO4] = 5.0 – x = 4.8 M

The concentration of HPO42- can be obtained from Ka2:

Ka2 = 6.2 x 10-8 = [H+][HPO42-]

[H2PO4-]
where: [H+] = [H2PO4-] = 0.19 M ; [HPO42-] = Ka2 = 6.2 x 10-8 M

To calculate [PO43-], we use the expression for Ka3 , and the values
obtained from the other calculations:

Ka3 = 4.8 x 10-13 = [H+][PO43-=] 0.19[PO43-]

[HPO42-] 6.2 x 10-8

[PO4 3-] = (4.8 x 10-13)(6.2 x 10-8) = _______________ M

0.19
 Calculate the pH of a 3.00 x 10-3 M Sulfuric acid solution.

Initial Concentration (mol/L) Equilibrium Concentration (mol/L)

[HSO4-]0 = 0.00300 X mol/L HSO [HSO
4
- -
4 ] = 0.00300 – x
[SO42-]0 = 0 dissociates [SO42-] = x
[H+]0= 0.00300 to reach [H+] = 0.00300 + x
equilibrium
From dissociation of H2SO4
Assume
Ka2 = 1.2 x 10-2 = [H +][SO 2-]
4= (0.00300 + x)(x)
x << 0.00300
[HSO4-] (0.00300 – x)
When we solve for x we get x = 1.2 x 10-2, which is close to 0.00300
therefore the approximation is not valid, and we must solve with
the quadratic formula. Multiplying the expression out we get:

0 = x2 + 0.015x – 3.6 x 10-5 -b +- b2 – 4ac

x= x = 2.10 x 10-3
a = 1, b = 0.015 2a
c = -3.6 x 10-5 [H+] = 0.00300 + x = 0.00510 pH = 2.29
The Effect of Atomic
and Molecular
Properties on
Nonmetal
Hydride Acidity
 Effects of Salts on pH and Acidity

Salts that consist of cations of strong bases and the anions of strong acids have
no effect on the [H+] when dissolved in water.
Examples: NaCl, KNO3, Na2SO4, NaClO4, KBr, etc.

For any salt whose cation has neutral properties(such as Na+ or K+) and whose
anion is the conjugate base of a weak acid, the aqueous solution will be basic.
Examples: NaF, KCN, NaC2H3O2, Na3PO4, Na2CO3, K2S,
Na2C2O4, etc.
A salt whose cation is the conjugate acid of a weak base produces an acidic
solution when dissolved in water.
Examples: NH4Cl, AlCl3, Fe(NO3)3, etc.
Calculate the pH of a 0.45M NaCN solution. The Ka value for HCN
is 6.2 x 10-10.
Solution: Since HCN is a weak acid, the Cyanide ion must have
significant affinity for protons.

CN-(aq) + H2O(l) HCN(aq) + OH-(aq)

- The value of Kb can be calculated

Kb = [HCN][OH ] from Kw and the Ka value for HCN.
[CN-]

Kw 1.0 x 10-14
Kb = = = 1.61 x 10-5
Ka (for HCN) 6.2 x 10-10
Initial Concentration (mol/L) Equilibrium Concentration (mol/L)
[CN-]0 = 0.45 X mol/L CN- [CN
reacts with
-] = 0.45 – x

[HCN]0 = 0 [HCN] = x
[OH-]0 = 0 H2O to reach equilibrium
[OH-] = x
Thus:
[HCN][OH -] (x)(x) ~ x2
Kb = 1.61 x 10-5 = -
= =
[CN ] 0.45 - x 0.45

x =~ 2.69 x 10-3 Although this is not exactly valid by the

5% rule, it is only off by 1%, so we will
use it for now!

x = [OH-] = 2.69 x 10-3 M

pOH = -log[OH-] = 3 – 0.43 = 2.57

pH = 14.00 – 2.57 =____________

 Calculate the pH of a 0.010 M AlCl3 solution. The Ka value for the
Al(H2O)63+ ion is 1.4 x 10-5.
Solution:
Since the Al(H2O)63+ ion is a stronger acid than water, the dominate
equilibrium will be:

Al(H2O)63+(aq) Al(OH)(H2O)52+(aq) + H+(aq)

1.4 x 10-5 = Ka = [Al(OH)(H2O)52+][H+]

[Al(H2O)63+]
Initial Concentration (mol/L) Equilibrium Concentration (mol/L)

[Al(H2O)63+]0 = 0.010 X mol/L[Al(H2O)63+] = 0.010 – x

[Al(OH)(H2O)52+] = 0 [Al(OH)(H2O)52+] = x
Al(H2O)[H 3+ +
[H+]0 = 0~ 6 ]=x
Dissociates
to reach
equilibrium
Thus:

1.4 x 10-5 = Ka = [Al(OH)(H2O)52+][H+] =

[Al(H2O)63+]

Ka = (x) (x) = x2
0.010 - x 0.010

x = 3.7 x 10-4
Since the approximation is valid by the 5% rule:

[H+] = x = 3.7 x 10-4 M and pH = ___________

Ka Values of Some Hydrated Metal Ions at 25oC

Ion Ka Increasing acidity

Fe3+ (aq) 6 x 10-3

Sn2+ (aq) 4 x 10-4
Cr3+ (aq) 1 x 10-4
Al3+ (aq) 1 x 10-5
Be2+ (aq) 4 x 10-6
Cu2+ (aq) 3 x 10-8
Pb2+ (aq) 3 x 10-8
Zn2+ (aq) 1 x 10-9
Co2+ (aq) 2 x 10-10
Ni2+ (aq) 1 x 10-10
 Predicting the Relative Acidity of Salt Solutions

Problem: Determine whether an aqueous solution of iron(III) nitrite, Fe(NO2)3, is

acidic, basic, or neutral.
Plan: The formula consists of the small, highly charged, and therefore weakly
acidic, Fe3+ cation and the weakly basic NO2- anion of the weak acid HNO2, To
determine the relative acidity of the solution, we write equations that show the
reactions of the ions with water, and then find Ka and Kb of the ions to see which ion
reacts to form to a greater extent.
Solution: Writing the reactions with water:

Fe(H2O)63+(aq) + H2O(l) Fe(H2O)5OH2+(aq) + H3O+(aq)

NO2-(aq) + H2O(l) HNO2(aq) + OH -(aq)

Obtaining Ka and Kb of the ions: For Fe3+(aq) Ka = 6 x 10-3.

For NO2-(aq), Kb must be determined:
- Kw 1.0 x 10-14
Kb of NO2 = = = 1.4 x 10-11
Ka of HNO2 7.1 x 10-4
Since Ka of Fe3+ > Kb of NO2-, the solution is acidic.
 Electron-Pair Donation and the Lewis Acid-Base Definition

The Lewis acid-base definition :

A base is any species that donates an electron pair.

An acid is any species that accepts an electron pair.

Protons act as Lewis acids in that they accept an electron pair in all
reactions:

B + H+ B H+

The product of any Lewis acid-base reaction is called an adduct, a

single species that contains a new covalent bond:

A Lewis base is a lone pair of electrons to donate.

A Lewis acid is a vacant orbital

 Metal Cations as Lewis Acids

M2+ + 4 H2O(l) M(H2O)42+

Metal ions can accept electron pairs from water molecules to form
complexes. An example is nickel which forms an adduct with water to
form the hexa aqua complex:

Ni2+ + 6 H2O(l) Ni(H2O)62+(aq)

Ammonia is a stronger Lewis base than water because it displaces water

from hydrated ions when aqueous ammonia is added.
Ni(H2O)62+(aq) + 6 NH3 (aq) Ni(NH3)62+(aq) + 6 H2O(aq)

Many essential biomolecules are Lewis adducts with central metal ions. Chlorophyll is
a Lewis adduct of a central Mg2+ ion. Vitamin B12 has a similar structure with a central
Co3+, as does heme with a central Fe2+ ion. Other metals such as Zn2+, Mo2+, and Cu2+
are bound to the active site in enzymes and participate in the catalytic action by virtue
of their Lewis acidity.
The Mg2+ Ion as a Lewis
Acid in the Chlorophyll
Molecule
 Identifying Lewis Acids and Bases

Problem: Identify the Lewis acids and bases in the following reactions:

(a) F- + BF3 BF4-

(b) Co2+ + 6 H2O Co(H2O)62+
(c) NH3 + H+ NH4+

Plan: We examine the species to see which species accepts the electron pair (Lewis
acid) and which donates it (Lewis base) in the reactions.
Solution:

(a) The BF3 accepted an electron pair from the fluoride ion.
BF3 is the acid and F- is the base.
(b) The Co2+ ion accepted the electron pairs from the water molecules.
Co2+ is the acid and H2O is the base.
(c) The H+ ion accepted the electron pair from the ammonia molecule.
H+ is the acid and water is the base.
Predict whether an aqueous solution of each of the following salts
will be acidic, basic, or neutral.
a) NH4C2H3O2 b) NH4CN c) Al2(SO4)3

Solution:
a) The ions are the ammonium and acetate ions, Ka for NH4+ is
5.6 x 10-10, and Kb for C2H3O2- is 5.6 x 10-10 . Since the are equal
the solution will be neutral and the pH close to 7.
b) The solution will contain the ammonium and cyanide ions, the
Ka value for NH4+ is 5.6 x 10-10, and
-
Kw
Kb (for CN ) = = 1.6 x 10-5
Ka(for HCN)
Since Kb for CN- is much larger than Ka for NH4+, this solution
will be basic.
c) This solution copntains the hydrated Aluminum ion and the sulfate
ion. Ka for Al(H2O)63+ = 1.4 x 10-5, for sulfate, Kb = 8.3 x 10-13 ;
therefore this solution will be acidic.
Acid – Base Properties of Aqueous Solutions of Various Types of Salts

Type of Salt Examples Comment pH of Solution

Cation is from Neither acts as
strong base; KCl, KNO3 an acid or a Neutral
anion is from NaCl, NaNO3 base
strong acid

Cation is from Anion acts as

strong base; NaC2H3O2 a base; cation Basic
anion is from KCN, NaF has no effect
weak acid on pH

Cation is conjugate Cation acts as

acid of weak base; NH4Cl, an acid; anion Acidic
anion is from NH4NO3 has no effect
strong acid on pH
Acid – Base Properties of Aqueous Solutions of Various Types of Salts

Type of Salt Examples Comment pH of Solution

Cation is conjugate Cation acts as Acidic if :

acid of weak base NH4C2H3O2 an acid; anion Ka > Kb
anion is conjugate NH4CN acts as a base Basic if :
base of weak acid K b > Ka
Neutral if :
Ka = Kb

Cation is highly Hydrated cation

charged metal ion; Al(NO3)3, acts as an acid; Acidic
anion is from FeCl3 anion has no
strong acid effect on pH
We start with the expression for the value of Ka , for the weak acid
HA: From the conservation of charge equation:

[H+] [A-] [H+] = [A-] + [OH-]

Ka =
[HA] From the Kw expression for water:
Kw
[OH-] =
The charge balance equation becomes: [H+]

Kw or: [Kw]
[H+] = [A-] + [A-] = [H+] -
[H+] [H+]
The material balance equation is:

[HA]0 = [HA] + [A-] or [HA] = [HA]0 – [A-]

Since: We have:
Kw
[A-] = [H+] - K
[H+] [HA] = [HA]0 –([H+] - ) w+
[H ]
 Now we substitute the expressions for [A-] and [HA] into Ka:

Kw
[H+]( [H+] - )
[H+] [A-] [H+]
Ka = [HA] = =
[HA]0 – ( [H+] - Kw)
[H+]

[H+]2 - Kw
Ka = [H+]2 - Kw
[HA]0 -
[H+]

Simplified, this equation becomes:

Ka = [H+]2
[HA]0 – [H+]
Calculate the [H+] in: a) 1.0 M HOCl and b) 1 x 10-4 M HOCl
for hypochlorous acid HOCl , Ka = 3.5 x 10-8

a) First do the weak acid problem in the normal way.

x2 = 3.5 x 10-8 =x ~
2
X = 1.87 x 10-4 M = [H+]
1.0 – x 1.0

b) First we do the weak acid problem in the normal way.

x2 -8 x2
~
= 3.5 x 10 = X = 1.87 x 10-6 M = [H+]
1.0 x 10-4 – x 1.0 x 10-4

In this very dilute solution of HOCl we should use the full

equation to obtain the correct H+ concentration.

[H+]2 – 10-14
Ka = 3.5 x 10-8 = +]2 – 10-14
-4
1.0 x 10 - [H
[H+]
To solve this we will use successive approximations, first substituting
the value we obtained in the normal way: 1.87 x 10-6 M To do this we
add in the correction for water ionization, 1.0 x 10-7 M, giving as an
approximation: 1.97 x 10-6M for H+.

[H+]2 – 10-14
Ka = 3.5 x 10-8 =
-4 (1.97 x 10-6)2 – 1.0 x 10-14
1.0 x 10 -
1.97 x 10-6
[H+]2 – 10-14 [H+]2 – 10-14
3.5 x 10-8 = =
1.0 x 10-4 – 1.97 x 10-6 9.8 x 10-5

[H+]2 = 3.44 x 10-12 [H+] = 1.85 x 10-6

Substituting 1.85 x 10-6 in to the equation in place of 1.97 x 10-6 yields
1.85 x 10-6 M so the approximation yields the same answer, so the
final answer is 1.85 x 10-6 M.
pH = - log(1.85 x 10-6) = __________
Summary: The pH Calculations for an Aqueous
Solution of a Weak Acid HA (major species HA and H2O)

The full equation for this case is: [H+]2 - Kw

Ka =
[HA]0 - [H+]2 – Kw
[H+]
When the weak acid by itself produces [H+] > 10-6 M,the full equation
becomes:
[H+]2 This corresponds to the typical
Ka = weak acid case:
[HA]0 – [H ]+

When: [H+]2 - Kw the full equation [H+]2 - Kw

[HA]0>> becomes: Ka =
[H+] [HA]0

Which gives: [H+] = Ka[HA]0 + Kw

Summary: Solving Acid-Base Equilibria Problems

•List the major species in solution.

•Look for reactions that can be assumed to go to completion, such as a strong acid
dissociating or H+ reacting with OH-.
•For a reaction that can be assumed to go to completion:
1. Determine the concentrations of the products.
2. Write down the major species in solution after the reaction.
•Look at each major component of the solution and decide whether it is an acid or a
base.
•Pick the equilibrium that will control the pH. Use known values of the dissociation
constants for the various species to determine the dominant equilibrium.
a) Write the equation for the reaction and the equilibrium expression.
b) Compute the initial concentrations (assuming that the dominant equilibrium
has not yet occurred-for example, there has been no acid dissociation).
c) Define x.
d) Compute the equilibrium concentrations in terms of x.
e) Substitute the concentrations into the equilibrium expression, and solve for x.
f) Check the validity of the approximation.
g) Calculate the pH and other concentrations as required.