Question

The compound trimethylamine, (CH3)3N, is a weak base when dissolved in water. Write the Kb expression for the weak base equilibrium that occurs in an aqueous solution of trimethylamine:

Answer 1

Answer:

The $K_b$ expression for the weak base equilibrium is:

$K_b=\frac{[(CH_3)_3NH^+][OH^-]}{[(CH_3)_3N]}$

Explanation:

$(CH_3)_3N(aq)+H_2O(l)\rightlefharpoons (CH_3)_3NH^++OH^-(aq)$

The expression of the equilibrium constant of base $K_c$ can be given as:

$K_c=\frac{[(CH_3)_3NH^+][OH^-]}{[(CH_3)_3N][H_2O]}$

]$K_b=K_c\times [H_2O]=\frac{[(CH_3)_3NH^+][OH^-]}{[(CH_3)_3N]}$

As we know, water is pure solvent, we can put $[H_2O]=1$

$K_b=K_c\times 1=\frac{[(CH_3)_3NH^+][OH^-]}{[(CH_3)_3N]}$

So, the the $K_b$ expression for the weak base equilibrium  is:

$K_b=\frac{[(CH_3)_3NH^+][OH^-]}{[(CH_3)_3N]}$