Both \(HF and HCN\)ionize in water to a limited extent. Which of the conjugate bases \(F - or CN - \), is the stronger base? See Table 14.3.

Short Answer

Expert verified

\(C{N^ - }\) is the stronger base.

Step by step solution

01

Define strong base

A strong base is a substance capable of removing a proton from a very weak acid. In water, they completely dissociate into their ions.

02

Compare the stronger base

We have to identify which of the conjucate bases \(F - or CN - \) is the stronger base. We know that the stronger an acid, the weaker is its conjugated base pair. To identify the stronger base, compare the \({K_b}\)values of weak bases and not weak acids. The stronger acids will have higher \({K_a}\)values. \(HF\) has a higher \({K_a}\) value than \(HCN.\) \(HF\) is a stronger acid than \(HCN\). \({F^ - }\) is a weaker base than \(C{N^ - }\) because its conjugated acid is a stronger acid than the conjugated acid of \(C{N^ - }.\)

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What are the\(pH\;and\;pOH\) of a solution of \(2.0\)\(M\)\(HCl\), which ionizes completely?

The pH of a \(0.20 - M\) solution of \(HF\) is \(1.92.\) Determine \({K_a}\) for \(HF\) from these data.

14.2 What is the hydronium ion concentration in an aqueous solution with a hydroxide ion concentration of 0.001 M at 25̊C?

Identify and label the Brønsted-Lowry acid, its conjugate base, the Brønsted-Lowry base, and its conjugate acid in each of the following equations:

\({\rm{\;(a)\;NO}}_2^ - + {{\rm{H}}_2}{\rm{O}} \to {\rm{HN}}{{\rm{O}}_2} + {\rm{O}}{{\rm{H}}^ - }\).

\({\rm{\;(b)\;HBr}} + {{\rm{H}}_2}{\rm{O}} \to {{\rm{H}}_3}{{\rm{O}}^ + } + {\rm{B}}{{\rm{r}}^ - }\)

\({\rm{\;(c)\;H}}{{\rm{S}}^ - } + {{\rm{H}}_2}{\rm{O}} \to {{\rm{H}}_2}{\rm{S}} + {\rm{O}}{{\rm{H}}^ - }\)

\({\rm{\;(d)\;}}{{\rm{H}}_2}{\rm{PO}}_4^ - + {\rm{O}}{{\rm{H}}^ - } \to {\rm{HP}}{{\rm{O}}_4}^{2 - } + {{\rm{H}}_2}{\rm{O}}\)

\({\rm{\;(e)\;}}{{\rm{H}}_2}{\rm{PO}}_4^ - + {\rm{HCl}} \to {{\rm{H}}_3}{\rm{P}}{{\rm{O}}_4} + {\rm{C}}{{\rm{l}}^ - }\)

\({\rm{\;(f)\;}}{\left( {{\rm{Fe}}{{\left( {{{\rm{H}}_2}{\rm{O}}} \right)}_5}({\rm{OH}})} \right)^{2 + }} + {\left( {{\rm{Al}}{{\left( {{{\rm{H}}_2}{\rm{O}}} \right)}_6}} \right)^{3 + }} \to {\left( {{\rm{Fe}}{{\left( {{{\rm{H}}_2}{\rm{O}}} \right)}_6}} \right)^{3 + }} + {\left( {{\rm{Al}}{{\left( {{{\rm{H}}_2}{\rm{O}}} \right)}_5}({\rm{OH}})} \right)^{2 + }}\)

\({\rm{\;(g)\;C}}{{\rm{H}}_3}{\rm{OH}} + {{\rm{H}}^ - } \to {\rm{C}}{{\rm{H}}_3}{{\rm{O}}^ - } + {{\rm{H}}_2}\)

State which of the following species are amphiprotic and write chemical equations illustrating the amphiprotic character of these species.

\({\rm{\;(a)\;N}}{{\rm{H}}_3}\)

\({\rm{\;(b)\;HPO}}_4^ - \)

\({\rm{\;(c)\;B}}{{\rm{r}}^ - }\).

\({\rm{\;(d)\;N}}{{\rm{H}}_4} + \)

\({\rm{\;(e)\;ASO}}_4^{3 - }\).

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free