10.8k views
4 votes
Sodium bisulfite is an ionic compound that is used as a mild bleaching agent and a food preservative. It contains the bisulfate ion, an amphiprotic ion with the chemical formula HSO₃-.

a. Write the chemical equation for the reaction of HSO₃- with OH-. Is the bisulfite ion functioning as an acid or a base in this reaction?
b. Write the chemical equation for the reaction of HSO₃- with H₃O+. Is the bisulfite ion functioning as an acid or a base in this reaction?

1 Answer

2 votes

a)

HSO₃⁻ + OH⁻ → H₂SO₄⁽²⁻⁾

In this reaction, we know that OH will act as a base. which means that the bisulfite ion will act as an acid

also because SO₃⁽²⁻⁾ will be relative more stable than O⁽²⁻⁾ because of larger valence shell. so HSO₃ will protonate. making it the acid

b)

HSO₃⁻ + H₃O⁺ → H₂SO₃

Here, the hydronium ion will be the one to protonate because that will help it form water, which is a much stabler compound

so the hydronium ion will protonate, making it the acid and the bisulfite will take that proton, making it the base

User Amadeus
by
8.4k points

Related questions

1 answer
0 votes
132k views
1 answer
2 votes
131k views
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.