10.9k views
3 votes
Identify the base in this acid-base reaction:

2HC2H3O2 + Mg(OH)2 = Mg(C2H3O2)2 + 2H2O

a. HC2H3O2

b. Mg(OH)2

c. Mg(C2H3O2)2

d. H2O

2 Answers

6 votes

Answer:

B. Mg(OH)2

Step-by-step explanation:

The other guy explained it, I just shortened it.

User John Bowen
by
4.0k points
4 votes

Answer: In the given acid-base reaction, the base is
Mg(OH)_2

Step-by-step explanation:

Acids are defined as the chemical species which donate hydrogen ions when dissolved in water.


HA(aq.)\rightarrow H^+(aq.)+A^-(aq.)

Bases are defined as the chemical species which donate hydroxide ions when dissolved in water.


BOH(aq.)\rightarrow B^+(aq.)+OH^-(aq.)

The given chemical equation follows:


2HC_2H_3O_2+Mg(OH)_2\rightarrow Mg(C_2H_3O_2)_2+2H_2O

Here, magnesium hydroxide is acting as base because it dissociates into magnesium ions and hydroxide ions when dissolved in water.

The chemical equation for the ionization of magnesium hydroxide follows:


Mg(OH)_2\rightarrow Mg^(2+)+2OH^-

Hence, in the given acid-base reaction, the base is
Mg(OH)_2

User Tom Canfarotta
by
3.7k points