Question

An acid is a substance that increases the concentration of H3O+ ions in solution. Look at the reaction below of phenol (C6H5OH) with water: Upper C subscript 6 upper H subscript 5 upper o upper H (a q) plus upper H subscript 2 upper O (l) right arrow upper C subscript 6 upper H subscript 5 upper O superscript minus (a q) plus upper H subscript 3 upper O superscript plus (a q). Which reactant acts as an acid by contributing a H+ ion to create H3O+ in the chemical equation? C6H5OH(aq) H2O(l) C6H5O–(aq) H3O+(aq)

Answer 1

A.) C6H5OH (aq)

Explanation:

Edge 2020

Answer 2

The reactant that acts as an acid, by contributing an H⁺ ion to create H3O+ in the chemical equation is C₆H₅OH.

Explanation:

According to Brønstend-Lowry, an acid is a substance that transfer a proton (hydrogen cation, H⁺) to a base, forming a base conjugate for the first and an acid conjugate for the second.

From the following reaction:

C₆H₅OH(aq) + H₂O(l) → C₆H₅O⁻(aq) + H₃O⁺(aq)

We have that the C₆H₅OH transfer a proton to the water to form its conjugate base C₆H₅O⁻ and the conjugate acid of water H₃O⁺. Hence, the C₆H₅OH is the acid and the water is the base.

Therefore, the reactant that acts as an acid, by contributing an H⁺ ion to create H3O+ in the chemical equation is C₆H₅OH.

I hope it helps you!