Final answer:
The alkaline nature of an aqueous solution sodium trioxocarbonate (IV) is due to the formation of hydroxide ions through the process of hydrolysis, which imparts basic properties to the solution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The alkaline property of an aqueous solution of sodium trioxocarbonate (IV), also known as sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), is primarily due to the process of hydrolysis. When sodium carbonate dissolves in water, it undergoes hydrolysis to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and carbonic acid (H2CO3). The sodium hydroxide that is formed imparts basic or alkaline characteristics to the solution.
As part of the hydrolysis, the bicarbonate (HCO3−) and carbonate (CO32−) ions can react with water to produce hydroxide ions (OH−), which contribute to the solution's basicity. For example:
- CO32−(aq) + H2O(l) → HCO3−(aq) + OH−(aq)
- HCO3−(aq) + H2O(l) → H2CO3(aq) + OH−(aq)
The presence of these hydroxide ions indicates a basic solution, hence the alkaline nature of sodium carbonate aqueous solutions.