For HSO_4^(-), NH_3(aq), and NH_4^(+) which species are Bronsted acids, and which are Bronsted bases?

2 Answers
May 11, 2017

As far as I can see (and you made me pull out my spex), I would amend c, e, and f.....Why?

Explanation:

c., you got "bisulfate ion"; in aqueous solution this is a moderately strong acid. Certainly we treat H_2SO_4 as a diacid in aqueous solution.

e., you got "ammonium ion"; in aqueous solution this is a weak Bronsted acid:

NH_4^(+) +H_2O(l) rightleftharpoons H_3O^(+) + NH_3(aq)

f., you got "ammonia"; in aqueous solution this is a weak Bronsted base, that gives equilibrium quantities of hydroxide at equilibrium, i.e.:

NH_3(aq) + H_2O rightleftharpoons NH_4^+ + HO^-

Note that I have of course assumed an aqueous solution for each of the acids and bases.

May 11, 2017

Everything looks perfect, except for (e) and (f)

Explanation:

You've pretty much nailed everything, but NH_3 and NH_4^+ are not good at being an acid and base respectively.

In theory, they could probably donate/receive that extra proton, but the compounds they produce (NH_2^- and NH_5^(2+)) are not very stable. Also, as you do more labs and other work on the topic of acids & bases, you'll see that you never really consider either of these compounds as being both an acid and base.

Hence, I'd say that NH_3 is just a Brønsted base, and NH_4 is just a Brønsted acid.

Hope that helps :)