What is the conjugate for benzoic acid, (HC7H5O2)?

1 Answer
Nov 11, 2015

The conjugate base of benzoic acid, #C_6H_5C(=O)OH#, is benzoate, #C_6H_5C(=O)-O^-#.

Explanation:

The conjugate base of any any acid is simply the parent acid, #HA#, less a proton, #H^+#. Mass and charge are conserved. On the other hand, the conjugate acid of any base, #A^-#, is simply #HA#, that is the parent base plus a proton, #H^+#.

Given this treatment, what is the conjugate base of hydroxide anion, #HO^-#?