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Which of the following pairs is a conjugate acid-base pair?

1) CH3COOH and OH⁻
2) HCN and CN-
3) HCN and OH⁻
4) HCl and OH⁻

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The conjugate acid-base pair among the options is HCN and CN-, where HCN is the proton donor and CN- is the proton acceptor. The correct option is 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

The conjugate acid-base pair concept is part of the Brønsted-Lowry theory of acids and bases. To identify a pair, we look for two species that differ by the presence of one hydrogen ion (H+). A conjugate acid-base pair consists of a proton donor (acid) and a proton acceptor (base).

In the choices provided, the pair that represents a conjugate acid-base pair is HCN and CN-. HCN can donate a proton to become CN-, thereby making them a conjugate acid-base pair.

On the other hand, CH3COOH and OH- do not form a conjugate acid-base pair because OH- is not the base form of acetic acid; HCN and OH- are not a pair because they do not directly convert into each other by the gain or loss of a proton; and HCl and OH- are not a conjugate acid-base pair as they represent an acid and a base from two different pairs, not one directly related by donation or acceptance of a single proton.

User Akhil Dabral
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