Question

Give equations showing how the following molecules and ions may act as bases:

CO2-, H2O, SO4-, NH3, HCO2-

Answer 1

water is used in the reactions because it is amphoteric.

$CO^{2-} + 2H^+ \to CH_2O$

$HC_2H_3O_2 + H_2O \to C_2H_3O_2^- + H_3O^+$

H2O is a Brønsted-Lowry base

$SO_4^{2- }+ 2H_2O \to H_2SO_4 + 2OH^-$

$NH_3 + H_2O = NH_4^+ + OH^-$

$NH_4^+ + HCO_3^- \to NH_3 + H_2CO_3$