Question

Determine if each anion acts as a weak base in solution. For those anions that are basic, write an equation that shows how the anion acts as a base. a. Br- b. ClO- c. CN- d. Cl

Answer 1

Answer:

$Br^{-}$ and $Cl^{-}$ act as weak bases in solution whereas $ClO^{-}$ and $CN^{-}$ act as strong base in solution.

Explanation:

Strong acid dissociates to produce it's weak conjugate base.

Weak acid dissociates to produce it's strong conjugate base.

HBr and HCl are strong acids. So, $Br^{-}$ and $Cl^{-}$ are weak conjugate bases.

HClO and HCN are weak acids. So, $ClO^{-}$ and $CN^{-}$ are strong conjugate bases.

So, $Br^{-}$ and $Cl^{-}$ act as weak bases in solution whereas $ClO^{-}$ and $CN^{-}$ act as strong base in solution.

Reactions: $ClO^{-}+H_{2}O\rightleftharpoons HClO+OH^{-}$

                  $CN^{-}+H_{2}O\rightleftharpoons HCN+OH^{-}$