Question

Classify each of the following compounds as an acid, base, or both. Be sure to answer all parts

1. CH3CH2OH
2. CH3CH2CH2CH3
3. CH3CO2CH3

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Bronsted-Lowry an acid is defined as the specie which is able to donate hydrogen ions when dissolved in water.

For example,
`HCl \rightarrow H^(+) + Cl^(-)`

On the other hand, bases are the species which are able to donate hydroxide ions when dissolved in water.

For example,
`NaOH \rightarrow Na^(+) + OH^(-)`

A specie which is able to accept a hydrogen atom and also able to donate a hydroxide ion will act as both acid and a base.

For example,
`CH_(3)CH_(2)OH` is able to donate a hydroxide ion and simultaneously can accept a hydrogen ion.

In
`CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_3`, the hydrogen atoms are strongly held together by the carbon atoms due to the small electronegativity difference between carbon and hydrogen atom. Hence, it will be a weak acid.

On the other hand,
`CH_3CO_2CH_3` can loose a hydrogen atom or it can also gain a hydroxyl group. This is due to the electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen atom.

Thus, we can conclude that following compounds are classified as follows.

• 
  `CH_(3)CH_(2)OH` - can be both acid and base

• 
  `CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_3` - very weak acid

• 
  `CH_3CO_2CH_3` - can be both acid and base