Final answer:
Bases capable of removing a proton from formic acid in a reaction that favors products are strong bases such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH).
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which base can remove a proton from formic acid in a reaction that favors products. The base that can do this must be stronger than the conjugate base of formic acid to favor product formation in an acid-base reaction. Strong bases like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) are capable of fully deprotonating weak acids like formic acid. These hydroxide ions (OH−) will react with formic acid, resulting in the formation of water and the conjugate base of the acid.
Let's consider the reaction mechanisms:
- Sodium hydroxide: HCOOH + NaOH → HCOO− Na+ + H2O
- Potassium hydroxide: HCOOH + KOH → HCOO− K+ + H2O
Ammonia (NH3) is a weaker base and water (H2O) is even weaker. They can act as bases but are not as efficient in deprotonating a weak acid like formic acid when compared to strong bases such as NaOH and KOH.