Question

Which of the following are acids by the Bronsted-Lowry Definition:

Answer 1

ANSWER IS (A)

EXPLANATION:

Bronsted-Lowry concept states that a substance is an acid if it can act as a H+ donor.

HCl in aqueous solution means that HCl is present in water, HCl + H2O --> H3O+ + Cl-.  This reaction will take place, the H+ from HCl will be donated to H2O. So, HCl is a bronsted-lowry acid by definition.

However, Methanol (CH3OH) its written that it is liquid, i.e. pure methanol, CH3OH(l).  It is both acidic as well as basic. when it is mixed with water then it behaves as an acid.

The last one ammonia in gas phase is also neutral because its not in water. if mixed in water it behaves as a base.