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Which of the following is an amphoteric species?
1) H₂So3
2) hso3-
3) SO₃²⁻

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

HSO₃⁻ is the amphoteric species because it can act as both an acid and a base, demonstrated by its reactions with OH⁻ and HI.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is about identifying which of the following species is amphoteric: H₂SO₃, HSO₃⁻, or SO₃²⁻. An amphoteric species is one that can act as both an acid and a base. Looking at the provided examples, HSO₃⁻ is known to exhibit this dual behavior. As an acid, it can donate a proton to OH⁻, forming SO₃²⁻ and H₂O:

HSO₃⁻(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → SO₃²⁻(aq) + H₂O(l)

As a base, HSO₃⁻ can accept a proton from HI, forming H₂SO₃ and I⁻:

HSO₃⁻(aq) + HI(aq) = H₂SO₃(aq) + I⁻(aq)

Therefore, the correct answer is HSO₃⁻ (option 2).

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