Question

What is the Brønsted-Lowry base in each of the following compounds? NaHCO₃:

1) H₂CO₃
2) HCO₃-
3) OH⁻
4) CO₃²⁻

Answer 1

The Brønsted-Lowry base in NaHCO₃ is the CO₃²⁻ (carbonate ion) because it can accept a proton in solution to form HCO₃⁻.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Brønsted-Lowry base in sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) among the given compounds is CO₃²⁻ (carbonate ion). According to Brønsted-Lowry theory, a base is a substance that can accept a proton (H+). When NaHCO₃ is in solution, it can lose a hydrogen ion to form CO₃²⁻, which can then accept a hydrogen ion. Therefore, HCO₃⁻ (bicarbonate ion) is the conjugate acid of CO₃²⁻, indicating that CO₃²⁻ is acting as a base in this instance. Here are the relevant reactions:

• HCO₃⁻ (aq) → CO₃²⁻ (aq) + H+ (aq)
• CO₃²⁻ (aq) + H+ (aq) → HCO₃⁻ (aq)

None of the other compounds listed (H₂CO₃, HCO₃⁻, OH⁻) are the correct Brønsted-Lowry base in this context.