Question

Classify each of the following compounds as an acid, base, or both. Be sure to answer all parts

Answer 1

Explanation:

According to Bronsted-Lowry an acid is defined as the specie which is able to donate hydrogen ions when dissolved in water.

For example, $HCl \rightarrow H^{+} + Cl^{-}$

On the other hand, bases are the species which are able to donate hydroxide ions when dissolved in water.

For example, $NaOH \rightarrow Na^{+} + OH^{-}$

A specie which is able to accept a hydrogen atom and also able to donate a hydroxide ion will act as both acid and a base.

For example, $CH_{3}CH_{2}OH$ is able to donate a hydroxide ion and simultaneously can accept a hydrogen ion.

In $CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_3$, the hydrogen atoms are strongly held together by the carbon atoms due to the small electronegativity difference between carbon and hydrogen atom. Hence, it will be a weak acid.

On the other hand, $CH_3CO_2CH_3$ can loose a hydrogen atom or it can also gain a hydroxyl group. This is due to the electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen atom.

Thus, we can conclude that following compounds are classified as follows.

• $CH_{3}CH_{2}OH$ - can be both acid and base

• $CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_3$ - very weak acid

• $CH_3CO_2CH_3$ - can be both acid and base