Question

Write chemical equations to show how the following bases react with water to produce hydroxide ions:

a. Methoxide ion (OCH₃-), a strong base.
b. Hypochlorite ion (C1O-), a weak base.

Answer 1

a)

OCH₃⁻ + H₂O → CH₃OH (methanol) + OH⁻ (hydroxide)

here, the methoxide ion acted as a base, by bonding with the hydrogen atom released by water to form methanol and hydronium ion

b)

ClO⁻ + H₂O → HClO + OH⁻ (hydroxide)

The Hypochlorite ion bonded with the proton released by water, to form Hypochlorous acid and hydronium ion