Question

When lithium oxide (Li2O) is dissolved in water, the solution turns basic from the reaction of the oxide ion (O^2-) with water. Write the equation for this reactionand, identify the conjugate acid-base pairs.

Answer 1

Answer on Question #55263 - Chemistry - General chemistry

Question:

When lithium oxide $(\mathrm{Li}_2\mathrm{O})$ is dissolved in water, the solution turns basic from the reaction of the oxide ion $(\mathrm{O}^{2-})$ with water. Write the equation for this reaction and, identify the conjugate acid-base pairs.

Answer:

If we consider the formation of oxide ion we will have the following two reactions:

1. Dissociation of $\mathrm{Li}_2\mathrm{O}$

$$\mathrm {L i} _ {2} \mathrm {O} \rightleftharpoons 2 \mathrm {L i} ^ {+} + \mathrm {O} ^ {2 -}$$

2. Reaction between formed anion and water:

$$\mathrm {O} ^ {2 -} + \mathrm {H} _ {2} \mathrm {O} \rightleftharpoons 2 \mathrm {O H} ^ {-}$$

In this case for two reagents we will have to conjugated pairs:

1. $\mathrm{O}^{2-}$ (base) and $\mathrm{OH}^{-}$ (acid)

2. $\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}$ (acid) and $\mathrm{OH}^{-}$ (base)

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