Question

Using the Brønsted-Lowry definition of acids and bases, identify each reactant in the reactions below as an acid or base. Explain how you determined your answers in detail.
H3O+ + Cl- → H2O + HCl
H2PO4- + H2O → H3O+ + HPO42-
HSO4- + H2O → OH- + H2SO4
O2- + H2O → OH- + OH-

Answer 1

Solution:
According to the theory Bronsted substances that are proton donors (ie give H+) are acids, and substances that are acceptors of protons (ie accept H+) are the bases.
Based on these provisions define the substance acts as an acid and is the basis of the following reactions:
a) H3O+ + Cl- → H2O + HCl
H3O+ - donor, acid;
Cl- - acceptor, base;
b) H2PO4- + H2O → H3O+ + HPO42-;
H2PO4- - donor, acid;
H2O - acceptor, base;
c) HSO4- + H2O → OH- + H2SO4;
H2O - donor, acid;
HSO4- - acceptor, base;
d) O2- + H2O → OH- + OH-
H2O - donor, acid;
O2- - acceptor, base.
Answer: a) H3O+ - donor, acid; Cl- - acceptor, base;
b) H2PO4- - donor, acid; H2O - acceptor, base;
c) H2O - donor, acid; HSO4- - acceptor, base;
d) H2O - donor, acid; O2- - acceptor, base.