Final answer:
The ionization of pyrrolidine in water involves the nitrogen compound accepting a proton from water, forming pyrrolidinium and hydroxide ions. The correct answer is option b: C₄H₈NH + H₂O → C₄H₈NH2⁺ + OH−.
Step-by-step explanation:
When pyrrolidine (C₄H₈NH) is dissolved in water, a base ionization reaction typically occurs, where the base accepts a proton from a water molecule. This is comparable to other reactions involving similar compounds such as pyridine or aniline, where the base (the nitrogen-containing organic compound) accepts a hydrogen ion (H+) from water (H₂O), forming a positively charged ion and releasing hydroxide ions (OH−) into solution. The correct reaction for pyrrolidine becoming ionized in water is:
b. C₄H₈NH + H₂O → C₄H₈NH2+ + OH−
This shows pyrrolidine gaining a hydrogen ion to form pyrrolidinium (C₄H₈NH2+) and leaving behind a hydroxide ion, thereby increasing the pH of the solution. This type of reaction is known as a base ionization or sometimes hydrolysis, which is common with bases that are also weak acids in water.