Question

Write the equilibrium reaction for (CH3)3N acting as a weak base in water. Be sure to include the phase labels for practice. There are several equations in this section that you can use as your guide.

Answer 1

Answer: The equilibrium reaction of trimethylamine with water is written below.

Explanation:

According to the Bronsted-Lowry conjugate acid-base theory:

• An acid is defined as a substance which looses or donates protons and thus forming conjugate base.
• A base is defined as a substance which accepts protons and thus forming conjugate acid.

The equilibrium reaction for the reaction of trimethylamine acting as a weak base in water follows:

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

Hence, the equilibrium reaction of trimethylamine with water is written above.