Question

Write a net ionic equation to show that triethylamine, (C2H5)3N, behaves as a Bronsted-Lowry base in water.

Answer 1

Answer:

$(C_2H_5)_3N~+~H_2O~->~(C_2H_5)_3NH^+~+~OH^-$

Explanation:

For this question, we have to remember that definition of acid and base in the Bronsted-Lowry theory:

Acid

A substance with the ability to produce a hydronium ion ($H^+$).

$HA~->~H^+~+~A^-$

Base

A substance with the ability to accepts a hydronium ion ($H^+$).

$B~+~H^+->BH^+$

If we check the reaction mechanism (figure 1). We can see that the lone pair of electrons in the "N" atom will remove an "H" from the water molecule producing a positive charge in the nitrogen and a hydroxyl group ($OH^-$).

With all this in mind, the net ionic equation would be:

$(C_2H_5)_3N~+~H_2O~->~(C_2H_5)_3NH^+~+~OH^-$

I hope it helps!