Chapter 18

Lecture 1
Arrhenius Acids and Bases

• Swedish graduate student, Svante

Arrhenius, proposed first definition of the
chemical character of acids and bases
Acid - generates H+ ions in solution
Base - generates OH- ions in solution
• Nearly failed by graduate committee for a
hair-brained scheme requiring charged
particles!
An Arrhenius Acid
• Hydrochloric acid completely dissociates to
generate H+ in solution
An Arrhenius Acid
• Hydrochloric acid completely dissociates to
generate H+ in solution

HCl H+ + Cl-
An Arrhenius Acid
• Hydrochloric acid completely dissociates to
generate H+ in solution

HCl H+ + Cl-
• Better representation shows formation of
hydronium ion
An Arrhenius Acid
• Hydrochloric acid completely dissociates to
generate H+ in solution

HCl H+ + Cl-
• Better representation shows formation of
hydronium ion

HCl + H2O H3O+ + Cl-

Arrhenius Bases
• Some bases contain hydroxide ions that
dissociate upon dissolving
Arrhenius Bases
• Some bases contain hydroxide ions that
dissociate upon dissolving

NaOH Na+ + OH-

Arrhenius Bases
• Some bases contain hydroxide ions that
dissociate upon dissolving

NaOH Na+ + OH-

• Other bases generate OH- ions by reacting
with water (hydrolysis)
Arrhenius Bases
• Some bases contain hydroxide ions that
dissociate upon dissolving

NaOH Na+ + OH-

• Other bases generate OH- ions by reacting
with water (hydrolysis)

NH3(aq) + H2O NH4+ + OH-

Acid and Base Strength
• Strong acids dissociate 100%
• Six common strong acids
H2SO4 sulfuric acid
HNO3 nitric acid
HClO4 perchloric acid
HCl hydrochloric acid
HBr hydrobromic acid
HI hydroiodic acid
Acid and Base Strength
• Weak acids dissociate incompletely
Acid and Base Strength
• Weak acids dissociate incompletely

Strong acid

HCl + H2O H3O+ + Cl-

Acid and Base Strength
• Weak acids dissociate incompletely

Strong acid

HCl + H2O H3O+ + Cl-

Ka > 106
Acid and Base Strength
• Weak acids dissociate incompletely

Strong acid

HCl + H2O H3O+ + Cl-

Ka > 106
Weak acid

HF + H2O H3O+ + F-
Acid and Base Strength
• Weak acids dissociate incompletely

Strong acid

HCl + H2O H3O+ + Cl-

Ka > 106
Weak acid

HF + H2O H3O+ + F-
Ka = 3.5 x 10-4
Acid and Base Strength
• Strong bases dissociate 100%
• Six common strong bases
LiOH lithium hydroxide
NaOH sodium hydroxide
KOH potassium hydroxide
Ba(OH)2 barium hydroxide
Ca(OH)2 calcium hydroxide
Sr(OH)2 strontium hydroxide
Arrhenius Bases
• Strong bases dissociate 100% in aqueous
solution

NaOH Na+ + OH-

Kb > 106
Arrhenius Bases
• Strong bases dissociate 100% in aqueous
solution

NaOH Na+ + OH-

Kb > 106
• Weak bases dissociate incompletely in
aqueous solution

NH3(aq) + H2O NH4+ + OH-

Kb = 1.8 x 10-5
Bronsted-Lowry Acids/Bases
• In 1923 a Danish chemist, Johannes
Bronsted, and an English chemist, Thomas
Lowry, proposed a more general definition
of acids and bases.
• In the Bronsted-Lowry system, protons
( H+) are the currency...
acid - a proton donor
base - a proton acceptor
Bronsted-Lowry Acids/Bases
• Hey, this is parallel to redox reactions!
Oxidation/reduction
ownership of electrons is transferred
Acid/base
ownership of protons (H+) is transferred
acid - a proton donor
base - a proton acceptor
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
• Common Bronsted-Lowry terminology for
acid-base reactions…
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
• Common Bronsted-Lowry terminology for
acid-base reactions…

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
• Common Bronsted-Lowry terminology for
acid-base reactions…

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

base
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
• Common Bronsted-Lowry terminology for
acid-base reactions…

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

base

Accepts a proton: NH3 + H+ = NH4+

Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
• Common Bronsted-Lowry terminology for
acid-base reactions…

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

base acid
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
• Common Bronsted-Lowry terminology for
acid-base reactions…

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

base acid

Donates a proton: H2O = OH- + H+

Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
• Common Bronsted-Lowry terminology for
acid-base reactions…

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

base acid acid
 Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
• Common Bronsted-Lowry terminology for
acid-base reactions…

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

base acid acid

Donates a proton: NH4+ = NH3 + H+

Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
• Common Bronsted-Lowry terminology for
acid-base reactions…

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

base acid acid base
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
• Common Bronsted-Lowry terminology for
acid-base reactions…

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

base acid acid base

Accepts a proton: OH- + H+ = H2O

Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
• Common Bronsted-Lowry terminology for
acid-base reactions…

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

base acid acid base

Conjugate acid-base pair

Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
• Common Bronsted-Lowry terminology for
acid-base reactions…

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

base acid acid base

Conjugate acid-base pair

Differ only by presence or
absence of a proton
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
• Common Bronsted-Lowry terminology for
acid-base reactions…

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

base acid acid base

Conjugate acid-base pair

Differ only by presence or
absence of a proton
 What’s the conjugate base of HCl?
1. H2Cl+
2. OH-
3. Cl-
4. H2OCl
 What’s the conjugate base of HCl?
1. H2Cl+
2. OH-
3. Cl-
4. H2OCl
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl - H+
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl - H+ Cl-
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
 What’s the conjugate base of H3O+?
1. H2O
2. H4O2+
3. OH-
4. HOOH
 What’s the conjugate base of H3O+?
1. H2O
2. H4O2+
3. OH-
4. HOOH
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ -H+
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ -H+ H2O
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
 What’s the conjugate base of
H2CO3?
1. H2CO2-
2. CO32-
3. HCO2-
4. HCO3-
 What’s the conjugate base of
H2CO3?
1. H2CO2-
2. CO32-
3. HCO2-
4. HCO3-
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
H2CO3
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
H2CO3 HCO3-
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
H2CO3 HCO3-
HCO3-
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
H2CO3 HCO3-
HCO3- CO32-
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
H2CO3 HCO3-
HCO3- CO32-
Table 8.2 (p. 244) has lots more
examples
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HBr Br-
CH3COOH CH3COO-
HNO3 NO3-
H3PO4 H2PO4-
H2PO4- HPO42-
Table 8.2 (p. 244) has lots more
examples
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HBr Br-
CH3COOH
HNO3 NO3-
H3PO4 H2PO4-
H2PO4- HPO42-
Table 8.2 (p. 244) has lots more
examples
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HBr Br-
CH3COOH CH3COO-
HNO3 NO3-
H3PO4 H2PO4-
H2PO4- HPO42-
Table 8.2 (p. 244) has lots more
examples
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HBr Br-
CH3COOH CH3COO-
HNO3 NO3-
H3PO4 H2PO4-
H2PO4- HPO42-
Table 8.2 (p. 244) has lots more
examples
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HBr Br-
CH3COOH CH3COO-
HNO3 NO3-
H3PO4 H2PO4-
H2PO4- HPO42-
Table 8.2 (p. 244) has lots more
examples
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HBr Br-
CH3COOH CH3COO-
HNO3 NO3-
H3PO4 H2PO4-
H2PO4- HPO42-
Table 8.2 (p. 244) has lots more
examples
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
H2CO3 HCO3-
HCO3- CO32-
Acids can carry a positive, neutral or
negative charge
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
H2CO3 HCO3-
HCO3- CO32-
Bases can carry a neutral or negative
charge
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
H2CO3 HCO3-
HCO3- CO32-
Monoprotic acids have only one proton
to donate
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
H2CO3 HCO3-
HCO3- CO32-
HCl is a monoprotic acid with only one
proton to donate
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
H2CO3 HCO3-
HCO3- CO32-
Polyprotic acids can donate more than
one proton
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
H2CO3 HCO3-
HCO3- CO32-
H3O+ is a diprotic acid - it can give up
two protons
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
H2CO3 HCO3-
HCO3- CO32-
Carbonic acid is also diprotic and can
give up two protons
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
H2CO3 HCO3-
HCO3- CO32-
Amphiprotic species appear in both columns
can act as either an acid or a base depending
on the situation
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
H2CO3 HCO3-
HCO3- CO32-
Amphiprotic species appear in both columns
and can act as either an acid or a base
depending on the situation
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
H2CO3 HCO3-
HCO3- CO32-
Bicarbonate ion is amphiprotic
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
Acid form Conjugate base form
HCl Cl-
H3O+ H2O
H2O OH-
H2CO3 HCO3-
HCO3- CO32-
Water is amphiprotic, too!
Donatable Protons
• Not all hydrogens are donatable
• Acetic acid has four hydrogens, only one
can be donated in an acid-base reaction
 Donatable Protons
• Not all hydrogens are donatable
• Acetic acid has four hydrogens, only one
can be donated in an acid-base reaction
H O
H C C O H
H
 Donatable Protons
• Not all hydrogens are donatable
• Acetic acid has four hydrogens, only one
can be donated in an acid-base reaction
H O
donatable
H C C O H proton
H
 Donatable Protons
• Not all hydrogens are donatable
• Acetic acid has four hydrogens, only one
can be donated in an acid-base reaction
H O
H C C O H
H H O
H+ + H C C O
H
acetate ion
 Donatable Protons
• Not all hydrogens are donatable
• Acetic acid has four hydrogens, only one
can be donated in an acid-base reaction
H Hydrogens
O bonded to C
H C atoms
C areOgenerally
H not
donatable
H H O
H+ + H C C O
H
acetate ion
Acid Ionization Constants
• The strength of an acid or base is
characterized by the extent to which it
dissociates
The more an acid or base dissociates, the
stronger it is
Equilibrium constants tell us how extensive
ionization (dissociation) is
Acid Ionization Constants
• Hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid used to
etch glass
Acid Ionization Constants
• Hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid used to
etch glass

HF + H2O H3O+ + F-
Acid Ionization Constants
• Hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid used to
etch glass

HF + H2O H3O+ + F-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

Acid Ionization Constants
• Hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid used to
etch glass

HF + H2O H3O+ + F-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

[H3O+][F-]
K=
[HF] [H2O]
Acid Ionization Constants
• Hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid used to
etch glass

HF + H2O H3O+ + F-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

What’s the
[H3O ][F ]
+ -
concentration of
K= water doing
[HF] [H2O]
here?!
Acid Ionization Constants
• Hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid used to
etch glass

HF + H2O H3O+ + F-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

Nothing. It’s
[H3O ][F ]
+ -
essentially
K= always 55.6 M
[HF] [H2O]
Acid Ionization Constants
• Hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid used to
etch glass

HF + H2O H3O+ + F-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

Nothing. It’s
[H3O ][F ]
+ -
essentially
K= always 55.6 M
[HF] [55.6]
Acid Ionization Constants
• Hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid used to
etch glass

HF + H2O H3O+ + F-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

Let’s just take
[H3O ][F ]
+ -
this constant
K= value and move
[HF] [55.6]
it over to the
other side
Acid Ionization Constants
• Hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid used to
etch glass

HF + H2O H3O+ + F-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

[H3O+][F-]
[55.6] x K =
[HF]
 Acid Ionization Constants
• Hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid used to
etch glass

HF + H2O H3O+ + F-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

[H3O+][F-]
[55.6] x K =
[HF]
One constant times another is a new constant
 Acid Ionization Constants
• Hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid used to
etch glass

HF + H2O H3O+ + F-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

[H3O+][F-]
Ka =
[HF]
The new constant, Ka, is the acid ionization constant
Acid Ionization Constants
• Hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid used to
etch glass

HF + H2O H3O+ + F-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

[H3O+][F-]
Ka = = 3.5 x 10-4
[HF]
The Ka (acid ionization constant) for HF is
Acid Ionization Constants
• Hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid used to
etch glass

HF + H2O H3O+ + F-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

[H3O+][F-]
Ka = = 3.5 x 10-4
[HF]
Since Ka << 1, HF doesn’t ionize much
 Ka Values
• Table 8.3 (page 248) lists lots of Ka values
Largest at top -- “strongest” weak acid
H3PO4 Ka = 7.5 x 10-3
Smallest at bottom -- “weakest” weak acid
HPO42- Ka = 2.2 x 10-13
Water is a real weaky
H2O Ka = 1.8 x 10-16
Base Ionization Constants
• Bases can also be characterized with an
ionization constant
Base Ionization Constants
• Bases can also be characterized with an
ionization constant

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

Base Ionization Constants
• Bases can also be characterized with an
ionization constant

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

Base Ionization Constants
• Bases can also be characterized with an
ionization constant

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

[NH4+][OH-]
K=
[NH3] [H2O]
Base Ionization Constants
• Bases can also be characterized with an
ionization constant

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

[NH4+][OH-] We’ll treat
K= [H2O] as with
[NH3] [H2O]
Ka
Base Ionization Constants
• Bases can also be characterized with an
ionization constant

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

[NH4+][OH-] We’ll treat
K= [H2O] as with
[NH3] [55.6]
Ka
Base Ionization Constants
• Bases can also be characterized with an
ionization constant

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

[NH4+][OH-] We’ll treat
[55.6] x K = [H2O] as with
[NH3]
Ka
Base Ionization Constants
• Bases can also be characterized with an
ionization constant

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

[NH4+][OH-]
Kb =
[NH3]
This is the base dissociation constant, Kb
Base Ionization Constants
• Bases can also be characterized with an
ionization constant

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

[NH4+][OH-]
Kb = = 1.8 x 10-5
[NH3]
This is the base dissociation constant, Kb
Base Ionization Constants
• Bases can also be characterized with an
ionization constant

NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH-

• Its equilibrium constant expression is

[NH4+][OH-]
Kb = = 1.8 x 10-5
[NH3]
NH3 about as weak a base as HF was an acid
Self-Ionization of Water
• Water is an amphiprotic species
• It can act as either an acid or a base
• In pure water it does both!
Self-Ionization of Water
• Water is an amphiprotic species
• It can act as either an acid or a base
• In pure water it does both!

H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH-

Self-Ionization of Water
• Water is an amphiprotic species
• It can act as either an acid or a base
• In pure water it does both!

H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH-

base

Accepts a proton: H2O + H+ = H3O +

Self-Ionization of Water
• Water is an amphiprotic species
• It can act as either an acid or a base
• In pure water it does both!

H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH-

acid

Donates a proton: H2O = OH- + H+

Self-Ionization of Water
• Water is an amphiprotic species

H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH-

Equilibrium constant expression:

Self-Ionization of Water
• Water is an amphiprotic species

H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH-

Equilibrium constant expression:

[H3O+][OH-]
K=
[H2O] [H2O]
Self-Ionization of Water
• Water is an amphiprotic species

H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH-

Equilibrium constant expression:

[H3O+][OH-]
K=
[H2O] [H2O]

[H2O] is essentially a constant 55.6 M

Self-Ionization of Water
• Water is an amphiprotic species

H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH-

Equilibrium constant expression:

[H3O+][OH-]
K=
[55.6] [55.6]

[H2O] is essentially a constant 55.6 M

Self-Ionization of Water
• Water is an amphiprotic species

H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH-

Equilibrium constant expression:

[H3O+][OH-]
K=
[55.6] [55.6]

Combine them with K on left

 Self-Ionization of Water
• Water is an amphiprotic species

H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH-

Equilibrium constant expression:

[55.6] [55.6] K = [H3O+][OH-]

Combine them with K on left

Self-Ionization of Water
• Water is an amphiprotic species

H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH-

Equilibrium constant expression:

Kw = [H3O+][OH-]

Kw is the ion product of water

Self-Ionization of Water
• Water is an amphiprotic species

H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH-

Equilibrium constant expression:

Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14

Value of Kw at 25oC
Self-Ionization of Water
• Water is an amphiprotic species

H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH-

Equilibrium constant expression:

Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14

Reaction only occurs to a slight extent

Self-Ionization of Water
• Water is an amphiprotic species

H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH-

Equilibrium constant expression:

Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14

Pure water is a weak electrolyte

What’s [H3O ] in Pure Water?
+

• The self-ionization reaction shows that in

pure water equal amounts of H3O+ and OH-
are produced
What’s [H3O ] in Pure Water?
+

• The self-ionization reaction shows that in

pure water equal amounts of H3O+ and OH-
are produced
H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH-
What’s [H3O ] in Pure Water?
+

• The self-ionization reaction shows that in

pure water equal amounts of H3O+ and OH-
are produced
H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH-

• So [H3O+] = [OH-]
What’s [H3O ] in Pure Water?
+

• The self-ionization reaction shows that in

pure water equal amounts of H3O+ and OH-
are produced
H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH-

• So [H3O+] = [OH-]
• Let’s use this information with the Kw
equation
What’s [H3O ] in Pure Water?
+

Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14

 What’s [H3O ] in Pure Water?
+

Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14

For pure [H3O+][H3O+] = 1.0 x 10-14
H2O...
 What’s [H3O ] in Pure Water?
+

Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14

For pure [H3O+][H3O+] = 1.0 x 10-14
H2O... [H3O+]2 = 1.0 x 10-14
 What’s [H3O ] in Pure Water?
+

Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14

For pure [H3O+][H3O+] = 1.0 x 10-14
H2O... [H3O+]2 = 1.0 x 10-14
[H3O+]2 = 1.0 x 10-14
 What’s [H3O ] in Pure Water?
+

Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14

For pure [H3O+][H3O+] = 1.0 x 10-14
H2O... [H3O+]2 = 1.0 x 10-14
[H3O+]2 = 1.0 x 10-14
[H3O+] = 1.0 x 10-7 M
 What’s [H3O ] in Pure Water?
+

Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14

For pure [H3O+][H3O+] = 1.0 x 10-14
H2O... [H3O+]2 = 1.0 x 10-14
[H3O+]2 = 1.0 x 10-14
[H3O+] = 1.0 x 10-7 M

Pure H2O has a pH of 7

 What’s [H3O ] in Pure Water?
+

Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14

For pure [H3O+][H3O+] = 1.0 x 10-14
H2O... [H3O+]2 = 1.0 x 10-14 Very
[H3O+]2 = interesting!
1.0 x 10-14
[H3O+] = 1.0 x 10-7 M

Pure H2O has a pH of 7

Kw Is Always True

• The [H3O+] of an acidic solution was

measured as 3.7 x 10-3 M
• What is the [OH-]?
Kw is Always True

• The [H3O+] of an acidic solution was

measured as 3.7 x 10-3 M
• What is the [OH-]?

Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14

Kw is Always True

• The [H3O+] of an acidic solution was

measured as 3.7 x 10-3 M
• What is the [OH-]?

Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14

[3.7 x 10-3][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14
Kw is Always True

• The [H3O+] of an acidic solution was

measured as 3.7 x 10-3 M
• What is the [OH-]?

Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14

[3.7 x 10-3][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14
Kw is Always True

• The [H3O+] of an acidic solution was

measured as 3.7 x 10-3 M
• What is the [OH-]?

Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14

[3.7 x 10-3][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14
1.0 x 10 -14
[OH-] =
[3.7 x 10-3]
Kw is Always True

• The [H3O+] of an acidic solution was

measured as 3.7 x 10-3 M
• What is the [OH-]?

Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14

[3.7 x 10-3][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14
1.0 x 10 -14
[OH-] = = 2.7 x 10 -12
M
[3.7 x 10 ]
-3
Kw is Always True

• The [H3O+] of an acidic solution was

measured as 3.7 x 10-3 M
• What is the [OH-]?

Kw = [H3O+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14

[3.7 x 10-3][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14
1.0 x 10 -14
[OH-] = = 2.7 x 10 -12
M
[3.7 x 10 ]
-3

When [H3O+] > 10-7, [OH-] < 10-7

pH, pOH and pK
• p-functions were devised to avoid typing
and saying exponential numbers
• the “p” is an abbreviation for the German
word for power “potens”
• Firmly established now, so you might as
well get used to them
 p - functions
• The p-function is simply the negative
logarithm of a quantity

p( ) = -log ( )
pH = -log [H3O+]
pOH = -log [OH-]
pKa = -log Ka
 The pH Scale
pH solution [H3O+] [OH-]

0 strongly acidic 1 x 100 M 1 x 10-14 M

(1 M)
4 weakly acidic 1 x 10-4 M 1 x 10-10 M

7 neutral 1 x 10-7 M 1 x 10-7 M

10 weakly basic 1 x 10-10 M 1 x 10-4 M

14 strongly basic 1 x 10-14 M 1 x 100 M

 The pH Scale
pH solution [H3O+] [OH-]

0 strongly acidic 1 x 100 M 1 x 10-14 M

(1 M)
4 weakly acidic 1 x 10-4 M 1 x 10-10 M

7 neutral 1 x 10-7 M 1 x 10-7 M

10 weakly basic 1 x 10-10 M 1 x 10-4 M

14 strongly basic 1 x 10-14 M 1 x 100 M

(1 M)
 The pH Scale
pH solution [H3O+] [OH-]

0 strongly acidic 1 x 100 M 1 x 10-14 M

(1 M)
4 Opposite
weakly acidic 1 x 10-4 M 1 x 10-10 M
trends in
7 neutral
[H3O ] and
+ 1 x 10 -7
M 1 x 10-7 M

[OH-]
10 weakly basic 1 x 10
-10
M 1 x 10-4 M

14 strongly basic 1 x 10-14 M 1 x 100 M

(1 M)
 The pH Scale
pH solution [H3O+] [OH-]

0 strongly acidic 1 x 100 M 1 x 10-14 M

(1 M)
pH is
4 weakly acidic 1 x 10-4 M 1 x 10-10 M
simply the
exponent on -7
7 neutral + 1 x 10 M 1 x 10-7 M
[H3O ] with
10 the basic
weakly sign 1 x 10-10 M 1 x 10-4 M
changed!
14 strongly basic 1 x 10-14 M 1 x 100 M
 The pH Scale
pH solution [H3O+] [OH-]

0 strongly acidic 1 x 100 M 1 x 10-14 M

(1 M)
pH is
4 weakly acidic 1 x 10-4 M 1 x 10-10 M
simply the
exponent on -7
7 neutral + 1 x 10 M 1 x 10-7 M
[H3O ] with
10 the basic
weakly sign 1 x 10-10 M 1 x 10-4 M
changed!
14 strongly basic 1 x 10-14 M 1 x 100 M
 The pH Scale
pH solution [H3O+] [OH-]

0 strongly acidic 1 x 100 M 1 x 10-14 M

(1 M)
pH is
4 weakly acidic 1 x 10-4 M 1 x 10-10 M
simply the
exponent on -7
7 neutral + 1 x 10 M 1 x 10-7 M
[H3O ] with
10 the basic
weakly sign 1 x 10-10 M 1 x 10-4 M
changed!
14 strongly basic 1 x 10-14 M 1 x 100 M
 The pH Scale
pH solution [H3O+] [OH-]

0 strongly acidic 1 x 100 M 1 x 10-14 M

(1 M)
pH is
4 weakly acidic 1 x 10-4 M 1 x 10-10 M
simply the
exponent on -7
7 neutral + 1 x 10 M 1 x 10-7 M
[H3O ] with
10 the basic
weakly sign 1 x 10-10 M 1 x 10-4 M
changed!
14 strongly basic 1 x 10-14 M 1 x 100 M
 The pH Scale
pH solution [H3O+] [OH-]

0 strongly acidic 1 x 100 M 1 x 10-14 M

(1 M)
pH is
4 weakly acidic 1 x 10-4 M 1 x 10-10 M
simply the
exponent on -7
7 neutral + 1 x 10 M 1 x 10-7 M
[H3O ] with
10 the basic
weakly sign 1 x 10-10 M 1 x 10-4 M
changed!
14 strongly basic 1 x 10-14 M 1 x 100 M
 The pH Scale
pH solution [H3O+] [OH-]

0 strongly acidic 1 x 100 M 1 x 10-14 M

(1 M)
pH is
4 weakly acidic 1 x 10-4 M 1 x 10-10 M
simply the
exponent on -7
7 neutral + 1 x 10 M 1 x 10-7 M
[H3O ] with
10 the basic
weakly sign 1 x 10-10 M 1 x 10-4 M
changed!
14 strongly basic 1 x 10-14 M 1 x 100 M
pH Calculations
• pH is easy if [H3O+] is a “nice” number

[H3O+] = 1.0 x 10-8 pH = 8

• If [H3O+] isn’t a “nice” number, you need to

use the LOG key on your calculator
You may have to experiment a bit to see in
which order the button pushes must be done
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
3.7 x 10-9 M?
pH = -log [H3O+]
= -log [3.7 x 10-9]
= - (-8.43)
= 8.43
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
3.7 x 10-9 M?
pH = -log [H3O+]
= -log [3.7 x 10 ]
-9 The
solution is
= - (-8.43)
slightly
= 8.43 basic since
pH > 7
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
3.7 x 10-9 M?
The answer
pH = -log [H3O ] +
makes sense!
= -log [3.7 x 10-9]
10-9 is pH 9
= - (-8.43)
= 8.43 10 -8
is pH 8
We’re in
between!
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
3.7 x 10-9 M?
The answer
pH = -log [H3O ] +
makes sense!
= -log [3.7 x 10-9]
1 x 10-9 is pH 9
= - (-8.43)
= 8.43 10 -8
is pH 8
We’re
inbetween!
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
3.7 x 10-9 M?
The answer
pH = -log [H3O ] +
makes sense!
= -log [3.7 x 10-9]
1 x 10-9 is pH 9
= - (-8.43)
= 8.43 1 x 10 -8
is pH 8
We’re in
between!
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
3.7 x 10-9 M?
The answer
pH = -log [H3O ] +
makes sense!
= -log [3.7 x 10-9]
1 x 10-9 is pH 9
= - (-8.43)
= 8.43 1 x 10 -8
is pH 8
We’re in
between!
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
3.7 x 10-9 M?
First part of the
pH = -log [H3O ] +
pH value for
= -log [3.7 x 10-9] “not-nice”
= - (-8.43) numbers will be
= 8.43 one less than
exponent with
the sign
changed
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
3.7 x 10-9 M?
First part of the
pH = -log [H3O ] +
pH value for
= -log [3.7 x 10-9] “not-nice”
= - (-8.43) numbers will be
= 8.43 one less than
exponent with
Exponent is -9
the sign
pH will be 8.xx changed
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
3.7 x 10-9 M?
First part of the
pH = -log [H3O ] +
pH value for
= -log [3.7 x 10-9] “not-nice”
= - (-8.43) numbers will be
= 8.43 one less than
exponent with
Exponent is -9
the sign
pH will be 8.xx changed
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
7.3 x 10-3 M?
pH = -log [H3O+]
= -log [7.3 x 10-3]
= - (-2.14)
= 2.14
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
7.3 x 10-3 M?
pH = -log [H3O+]
= -log [7.3 x 10 ]
-3 The
solution is
= - (-2.14)
acidic since
= 2.14 pH < 7
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
7.3 x 10-3 M?
The answer
pH = -log [H3O ] +
makes sense!
= -log [7.3 x 10-3]
10-3 is pH 3
= - (-2.14)
= 2.14 10 -2
is pH 2
We’re
inbetween!
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
7.3 x 10-3 M?
The answer
pH = -log [H3O ] +
makes sense!
= -log [7.3 x 10-3]
1 x 10-3 is pH 3
= - (-2.14)
= 2.14 10 -2
is pH 2
We’re
inbetween!
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
7.3 x 10-3 M?
The answer
pH = -log [H3O ] +
makes sense!
= -log [7.3 x 10-3]
1 x 10-3 is pH 3
= - (-2.14)
= 2.14 1 x 10 -2
is pH 2
We’re
inbetween!
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
7.3 x 10-3 M?
The answer
pH = -log [H3O ] +
makes sense!
= -log [7.3 x 10-3]
1 x 10-3 is pH 3
= - (-2.14)
= 2.14 1 x 10 -2
is pH 2
We’re in
between!
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
7.3 x 10-3 M?
First part of the
pH = -log [H3O ] +
pH value for
= -log [7.3 x 10-3] “not-nice”
= - (-2.14) numbers will be
= 2.14 one less than
exponent with
the sign
changed
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
7.3 x 10-3 M?
First part of the
pH = -log [H3O ] +
pH value for
= -log [7.3 x 10-3] “not-nice”
= - (-2.14) numbers will be
= 2.14 one less than
exponent with
Exponent is -3
the sign
pH will be 2.xx changed
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
7.3 x 10-3 M?
First part of the
pH = -log [H3O ] +
pH value for
= -log [7.3 x 10-3] “not-nice”
= - (-2.14) numbers will be
= 2.14 one less than
exponent with
Exponent is -3
the sign
pH will be 2.xx changed
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
5.2 x 10-6 M?
1. 6.52
2. 5.52
3. 5.28
4. 6.28
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
5.2 x 10-6 M?
1. 6.52
2. 5.52
3. 5.28
4. 6.28
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
5.2 x 10-6 M?
pH = -log [H3O+]
= -log [5.2 x 10-6]
= - (-5.28)
= 5.28
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
5.2 x 10-6 M?
pH = -log [H3O+]
= -log [5.2 x 10 ]
-6 The
solution is
= - (-5.28)
acidic since
= 5.28 pH < 7
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
5.2 x 10-6 M?
The answer
pH = -log [H3O ] +
makes sense!
= -log [5.2 x 10-6]
10-6 is pH 6
= - (-5.28)
= 5.28 10 -5
is pH 5
We’re
inbetween!
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
5.2 x 10-6 M?
The answer
pH = -log [H3O ] +
makes sense!
= -log [5.2 x 10-6]
10-6 is pH 6
= - (-5.28)
= 5.28 10 -5
is pH 5
We’re
inbetween!
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
5.2 x 10-6 M?
The answer
pH = -log [H3O ] +
makes sense!
= -log [5.2 x 10-6]
10-6 is pH 6
= - (-5.28)
= 5.28 10 -5
is pH 5
We’re
inbetween!
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
5.2 x 10-6 M?
The answer
pH = -log [H3O ] +
makes sense!
= -log [5.2 x 10-6]
10-6 is pH 6
= - (-5.28)
= 5.28 10 -5
is pH 5
We’re
inbetween!
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
5.2 x 10-6 M?
First part of the
pH = -log [H3O ] +
pH value for
= -log [5.2 x 10-6] “not-nice”
= - (-5.28) numbers will be
= 5.28 one less than
exponent with
the sign
changed
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
5.2 x 10-6 M?
First part of the
pH = -log [H3O ] +
pH value for
= -log [5.2 x 10-6] “not-nice”
= - (-5.28) numbers will be
= 5.28 one less than
exponent with
Exponent is -6
the sign
pH will be 5.xx changed
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
5.2 x 10-6 M?
First part of the
pH = -log [H3O ] +
pH value for
= -log [5.2 x 10-6] “not-nice”
= - (-5.28) numbers will be
= 5.28 one less than
exponent with
Exponent is -6
the sign
pH will be 5.xx changed
Undoing pH Calculations
• Sometimes you need to do the opposite of a
pH calculation
• Given a pH, you need to know the
concentration of acid
• It’s pretty simple

[H3O+] = 10-pH
Undoing pH Calculations
• Let’s undo the pH calculations we did to
illustrate...
• Calculator designers recognize the opposite
nature of these two calculations
• Use the LOG key again, but in conjunction
with the INV or SHIFT or 2nd key.
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 8.43?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 8.43?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
[H3O+] = 10-8.43
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 8.43?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
[H3O+] = 10-8.43
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 8.43?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
[H3O+] = 10-8.43

Enter -8.43, then press “2nd” “log”

or, if you have the other kind of calculator
Press “2nd” “log”, then enter -8.43
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 8.43?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
[H3O+] = 10-8.43

Enter -8.43, then press “2nd” “log”

or, if you have the other kind of calculator
Press “2nd” “log”, then enter -8.43
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 8.43?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
[H3O+] = 10-8.43

Enter -8.43, then press “2nd” “log”

or, if you have the other kind of calculator
Press “2nd” “log”, then enter -8.43
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 8.43?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
[H3O+] = 10-8.43
[H3O+] = 3.7 x 10-9 M
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 2.14?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 2.14?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
[H3O+] = 10-2.14
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 2.14?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
[H3O+] = 10-2.14
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 2.14?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
[H3O+] = 10-2.14
[H3O+] = 7.2 x 10-3 M
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 2.14?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
[H3O+] = 10-2.14
[H3O+] = 7.2 x 10-3 M
You may experience some
slight round-off error
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 2.14?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
[H3O+] = 10-2.14
[H3O+] = 7.2 x 10-3 M
Sig figs in pH values are the decimal part,
the non-decimal part is the exponent
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 2.14?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
2 decimal places
[H3O ] = 10
+ -2.14

[H3O+] = 7.2 x 10-3 M

Sig figs in pH values are the decimal part,
the non-decimal part is the exponent
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 2.14?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
2 decimal places
[H3O ] = 10
+ -2.14

2 sig figs
[H3O ] = 7.2 x 10 M
+ -3

Sig figs in pH values are the decimal part,

the non-decimal part is the exponent
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 2.14?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
2 decimal places
[H3O ] = 10
+ -2.14

2 sig figs
[H3O ] = 7.2 x 10 M
+ -3

Sig figs in pH values are the decimal part,

To the left of decimal is (exponent-1)
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 2.14?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
2 decimal places
[H3O ] = 10
+ -2.14

2 sig figs
[H3O ] = 7.2 x 10 M
+ -3

Sig figs in pH values are the decimal part,

To the left of decimal is (exponent-1)
 Reactions of Acids
• Several typical acid reactions illustrated
• Acids react with active metals to produce
hydrogen gas and a salt
 Reactions of Acids
• Several typical acid reactions illustrated
• Acids react with active metals to produce
hydrogen gas and a salt

Mg(s) + 2 HCl MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

Reactions of Acids
• Several typical acid reactions illustrated
• Acids react with active metals to produce
hydrogen gas and a salt
Mg(s) + 2 HCl MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

• What kind of reaction is this?

 Reactions of Acids
• Several typical acid reactions illustrated
• Acids react with active metals to produce
hydrogen gas and a salt
Mg(s) + 2 HCl MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

• What kind of reaction is this?

Redox?
 Reactions of Acids
• Several typical acid reactions illustrated
• Acids react with active metals to produce
hydrogen gas and a salt

Mg(s) + 2 HCl MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

• What kind of reaction is this?

Redox? Yep
 Reactions of Acids
• Several typical acid reactions illustrated
• Acids react with active metals to produce
hydrogen gas and a salt

Mg(s) + 2 HCl MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

• What kind of reaction is this?

Redox? Yep - Mg oxidized
 Reactions of Acids
• Several typical acid reactions illustrated
• Acids react with active metals to produce
hydrogen gas and a salt
0
Mg(s) + 2 HCl MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

• What kind of reaction is this?

Redox? Yep - Mg oxidized
 Reactions of Acids
• Several typical acid reactions illustrated
• Acids react with active metals to produce
hydrogen gas and a salt
0 +2
Mg(s) + 2 HCl MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

• What kind of reaction is this?

Redox? Yep - Mg oxidized
 Reactions of Acids
• Several typical acid reactions illustrated
• Acids react with active metals to produce
hydrogen gas and a salt
0 +2
Mg(s) + 2 HCl MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

• What kind of reaction is this?

Redox? Yep - Mg oxidized, H in HCl reduced
 Reactions of Acids
• Several typical acid reactions illustrated
• Acids react with active metals to produce
hydrogen gas and a salt
0 +1 +2
Mg(s) + 2 HCl MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

• What kind of reaction is this?

Redox? Yep - Mg oxidized, H in HCl reduced
 Reactions of Acids
• Several typical acid reactions illustrated
• Acids react with active metals to produce
hydrogen gas and a salt
0 +1 +2 0
Mg(s) + 2 HCl MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

• What kind of reaction is this?

Redox? Yep - Mg oxidized, H in HCl reduced
 Reactions of Acids
• Several typical acid reactions illustrated
• Acids react with active metals to produce
hydrogen gas and a salt

Mg(s) + 2 HCl MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

• What kind of reaction is this?

Redox? Yep - Mg oxidized, H in HCl reduced
Production of a gas?
 Reactions of Acids
• Several typical acid reactions illustrated
• Acids react with active metals to produce
hydrogen gas and a salt

Mg(s) + 2 HCl MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

• What kind of reaction is this?

Redox? Yep - Mg oxidized, H in HCl reduced
Production of a gas? Yep - H2 formed
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with metal hydroxides and oxides
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with metal hydroxides and oxides

2 HCl + CaO(s) CaCl2(aq) + H2O

 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with metal hydroxides and oxides

2 HCl + CaO(s) CaCl2(aq) + H2O

• What kind of reaction is this?

 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with metal hydroxides and oxides

2 HCl + CaO(s) CaCl2(aq) + H2O

• What kind of reaction is this?

Acid-base neutralization (with solid base)
 8.6 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with metal hydroxides and oxides

2 HCl + CaO(s) CaCl2(aq) + H2O

• What kind of reaction is this?

Acid-base neutralization (with solid base)
Products are a salt and water
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with metal hydroxides and oxides

2 HCl + CaO(s) CaCl2(aq) + H2O

• What kind of reaction is this?

Acid-base neutralization (with solid base)
Products are a salt and water
Cl- is a spectator ion
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with metal hydroxides and oxides

2 H+ + CaO(s) Ca2+ + H2O

• What kind of reaction is this?

Acid-base neutralization (with solid base)
Products are a salt and water
Any strong acid will do
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with metal hydroxides and oxides
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with metal hydroxides and oxides

H2CO3 + NaOH NaHCO3 + H2O

carbonic
acid
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with metal hydroxides and oxides

H2CO3 + NaOH NaHCO3 + H2O

carbonic
acid
• What kind of reaction is this?
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with metal hydroxides and oxides

H2CO3 + NaOH NaHCO3 + H2O

carbonic
acid
• What kind of reaction is this?
Acid-base neutralization (partial)
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with metal hydroxides and oxides

H2CO3 + NaOH NaHCO3 + H2O

weak
acid
• What kind of reaction is this?
Acid-base neutralization (partial)
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with metal hydroxides and oxides

H2CO3 + NaOH NaHCO3 + H2O

weak strong
acid base
• What kind of reaction is this?
Acid-base neutralization (partial)
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with metal hydroxides and oxides

H2CO3 + NaOH NaHCO3 + H2O

weak strong weak
acid base base
• What kind of reaction is this?
Acid-base neutralization (partial)
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with metal hydroxides and oxides

H2CO3 + NaOH NaHCO3 + H2O

weak strong weak v weak
acid base base acid
• What kind of reaction is this?
Acid-base neutralization (partial)
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with metal hydroxides and oxides

H2CO3 + NaOH NaHCO3 + H2O

• What kind of reaction is this?

Acid-base neutralization (partial)
Products are a salt and water
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with ammonia and amines to make
quaternary nitrogen salts
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with ammonia and amines to make
quaternary nitrogen salts

HCl + CH3NH2 CH3NH3+ + Cl-

 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with ammonia and amines to make
quaternary nitrogen salts

HCl + CH3NH2 CH3NH3+ + Cl-

methylamine
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with ammonia and amines to make
quaternary nitrogen salts

HCl + CH3NH2 CH3NH3+ + Cl-

methylamine

methylammonium
chloride
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with ammonia and amines to make
quaternary nitrogen salts

HCl + CH3NH2 CH3NH3+ + Cl-

methylamine

methylammonium
chloride
A dissolved ionic salt
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with ammonia and amines to make
quaternary nitrogen salts

HCl + CH3NH2 CH3NH3+ + Cl-

• What kind of reaction is this?

 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with ammonia and amines to make
quaternary nitrogen salts

HCl + CH3NH2 CH3NH3+ + Cl-

• What kind of reaction is this?

Acid-base (partial neutralization)
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with ammonia and amines to make
quaternary nitrogen salts

HCl + CH3NH2 CH3NH3+ + Cl-

strong
acid
• What kind of reaction is this?
Acid-base (partial neutralization)
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with ammonia and amines to make
quaternary nitrogen salts

HCl + CH3NH2 CH3NH3+ + Cl-

strong weak
acid base
• What kind of reaction is this?
Acid-base (partial neutralization)
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with ammonia and amines to make
quaternary nitrogen salts

HCl + CH3NH2 CH3NH3+ + Cl-

strong weak weak
acid base acid
• What kind of reaction is this?
Acid-base (partial neutralization)
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with ammonia and amines to make
quaternary nitrogen salts

HCl + CH3NH2 CH3NH3+ + Cl-

strong weak weak v weak
acid base acid base
• What kind of reaction is this?
Acid-base (partial neutralization)
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with ammonia and amines to make
quaternary nitrogen salts

HCl + CH3NH2 CH3NH3+ + Cl-

strong weak weak v weak
acid base acid base
• What kind of reaction is this?
Acid-base (partial neutralization)

Conjugate acid-base pair!

 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with ammonia and amines to make
quaternary nitrogen salts

HCl + CH3NH2 CH3NH3+ + Cl-

strong weak weak v weak
acid base acid base
• What kind of reaction is this?
Acid-base (partial neutralization)

Another conjugate acid-base pair!

 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with ammonia and amines to make
quaternary salts

HCl + CH3NH2 CH3NH3+ + Cl-

• What kind of reaction is this?

Acid-base (partial neutralization)
Quaternary nitrogen salts have 4 covalent bonds
to nitrogen
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with ammonia and amines to make
quaternary salts
H H
HCl + CH3NH2 H-C-N-H
+ + Cl-
H H

• What kind of reaction is this?

Acid-base (partial neutralization)
Quaternary nitrogen salts have 4 covalent bonds
to nitrogen
 Reactions of Acids
• Acids react with ammonia and amines to make
quaternary salts
H H
HCl + CH3NH2 H-C-N-H
+ + Cl-
H H

• What kind of reaction is this?

Acid-base (partial neutralization)
Quaternary nitrogen salts have 4 covalent bonds
to nitrogen (one a coordinate covalent bond)
 The pH Scale
pH solution [H3O+] [OH-]

0 strongly acidic 1 x 100 M 1 x 10-14 M

(1 M)
4 weakly acidic 1 x 10-4 M 1 x 10-10 M

7 neutral 1 x 10-7 M 1 x 10-7 M

10 weakly basic 1 x 10-10 M 1 x 10-4 M

14 strongly basic 1 x 10-14 M 1 x 100 M

(1 M)
pH Calculations
• What is the pH of a solution that has a
hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+], of
3.7 x 10-9 M?
pH = -log [H3O+]
= -log [3.7 x 10-9]
= - (-8.43)
= 8.43
Undoing pH Calculations
• What is the acid concentration in a solution
of pH 8.43?

[H3O+] = 10-pH
[H3O+] = 10-8.43
[H3O+] = 3.7 x 10-9 M
pOH and pKa
• Exactly analogous to pH calculations

pOH = -log[OH-] [OH-] = 10-pOH

pKx = -log Kx Kx = 10-pKx

pKw = -log Kw = -log (1.0 x 10-14)

= - (-14.00) = 14.00
pOH
• A handy extra factoid…
pH + pOH = pKw = 14.00

If the pH of a solution is 9.36, what is the

pOH?

pOH = 14.00 - pH
pOH
• A handy extra factoid…
pH + pOH = pKw = 14.00

If the pH of a solution is 9.36, what is the

pOH?

pOH = 14.00 - 9.36

pOH
• A handy extra factoid…
pH + pOH = pKw = 14.00

If the pH of a solution is 9.36, what is the

pOH?

pOH = 14.00 - 9.36

pOH
• A handy extra factoid…
pH + pOH = pKw = 14.00

If the pH of a solution is 9.36, what is the

pOH?

pOH = 14.00 - 9.36 = 4.64

pKa Calculation Example...
• Carbonated soft drinks are preserved with
sodium benzoate, the conjugate base of
benzoic acid, C6H5COOH.
If benzoic acid’s pKa is 4.19, what is its Ka?
Ka = 10-pKa
= 10-4.19
= 6.5 x 10-5
pKa Calculation Example...
• Carbonated soft drinks are preserved with
sodium benzoate, the conjugate base of
benzoic acid, C6H5COOH.
If benzoic acid’s pKa is 4.19, what is its Ka?
Ka = 10-pKa
2 sig figs
= 10-4.19
= 6.5 x 10-5
pKa Calculation Example...
• Carbonated soft drinks are preserved with
sodium benzoate, the conjugate base of
benzoic acid, C6H5COOH.
If benzoic acid’s pKa is 4.19, what is its Ka?
Ka = 10-pKa
2 sig figs
= 10-4.19
exponent - 1
= 6.5 x 10-5
pH of Some Common Materials
Battery acid 0.5
Soft drinks 2.0 - 4.0
Black coffee 5.0 - 5.1
Milk 6.3 - 6.6
Seawater 8.0 - 9.0
Household ammonia 11.7
pH of Some Body Fluids
Gastric juice (HCl) 1.0 - 3.0
Urine 5.5 - 7.5
Saliva 6.5 - 7.5
Bile 6.8 - 7.0
Blood 7.35 - 7.45
Pancreatic fluid 7.8 - 8.0
Measuring pH
• Acid-base indicators (Figure 8.2)
one (or more) conjugate acid-base pairs
changes color over a specific pH range
selected for pH range of interest
Measuring pH
• Acid-base indicators (Figure 8.2)
one (or more) conjugate acid-base pairs
changes color over a specific pH range
selected for pH range of interest
HLit Ind- + H+

Litmus
(acid form)
Measuring pH
• Acid-base indicators (Figure 8.2)
one (or more) conjugate acid-base pairs
changes color over a specific pH range
selected for pH range of interest
HLit Ind- + H+

Litmus pH
(acid form) 6.0
Measuring pH
• Acid-base indicators (Figure 8.2)
one (or more) conjugate acid-base pairs
changes color over a specific pH range
selected for pH range of interest
HLit Lit- + H+

Litmus pH Litmus
(acid form) 6.0 (base form)
Measuring pH
• Acid-base indicators (Figure 8.2)
one (or more) conjugate acid-base pairs
changes color over a specific pH range
selected for pH range of interest
HInd Ind- + H+

Methyl orange
(acid form)
Measuring pH
• Acid-base indicators (Figure 8.2)
one (or more) conjugate acid-base pairs
changes color over a specific pH range
selected for pH range of interest
HInd Ind- + H+

Methyl orange pH
(acid form) 3.6
Measuring pH
• Acid-base indicators (Figure 8.2)
one (or more) conjugate acid-base pairs
changes color over a specific pH range
selected for pH range of interest
HInd Ind- + H+

Methyl orange pH Methyl orange

(acid form) 3.6 (base form)
Measuring pH
• pH meter
Measuring pH
• pH meter
one electrode has a glass membrane that
adsorbs/desorbs H+

H+
Measuring pH
• pH meter
one electrode has a glass membrane that
adsorbs/desorbs H+
pH is determined from voltage

4.33
Measuring pH
• pH meter
Buffers
• Buffers are solutions that resist pH changes
• One of the most important aspects of acid-
base chemistry
• Biochemistry depends on a medium with a
stable pH
• In human blood system, this is around pH
7.4
• Unbuffered solutions will show rapid pH
swings
Buffers
• A buffer is made up of…
a solution containing significant amounts of
both an acid and its conjugate base
• The pH of the buffer solution will be close
to the pKa of the acid!
• Let’s look at how one of our blood system
buffers works
• Based on H2CO3 and HCO3-
Buffers
• A buffer is made up of…
a solution containing significant amounts of
both an acid and its conjugate base
• The pH of the buffer solution will be close
to the pKa of the acid!
• Let’s look at how one of our blood system
buffers works.
• Based on H2CO3 and HCO3-
Buffers
• A buffer is made up of…
a solution containing significant amounts of
both an acid and its conjugate base
• The pH of the buffer solution will be close
to the pKa of the acid!
• Let’s look at how one of our blood system
buffers works.
• Based on H2CO3 and HCO3-
Buffers Partially Neutralize
• A buffer works by partially neutralizing
additions of strong acid or strong base
• Additions of strong base are converted to a
weak base by the acid form of the buffer
compound
Buffers Partially Neutralize
• A buffer works by partially neutralizing
additions of strong acid or strong base
• Additions of strong base are converted to a
weak base by the acid form of the buffer
compound

OH- + H2CO3 H2O + HCO3-

strong
base
Buffers Partially Neutralize
• A buffer works by partially neutralizing
additions of strong acid or strong base
• Additions of strong base are converted to a
weak base by the acid form of the buffer
compound

OH- + H2CO3 H2O + HCO3-

strong weak acid
base form of
buffer
Buffers Partially Neutralize
• A buffer works by partially neutralizing
additions of strong acid or strong base
• Additions of strong base are converted to a
weak base by the acid form of the buffer
compound

OH- + H2CO3 H2O

strong weak acid
base form of
buffer
Buffers Partially Neutralize
• A buffer works by partially neutralizing
additions of strong acid or strong base
• Additions of strong base are converted to a
weak base by the acid form of the buffer
compound

OH- + H2CO3 H2O + HCO3-

strong weak acid weak base
base form of form of
buffer buffer
Buffers Partially Neutralize
• A buffer works by partially neutralizing
additions of strong acid or strong base
• Additions of strong acid are converted to a
weak acid by the base form of the buffer
compound
Buffers Partially Neutralize
• A buffer works by partially neutralizing
additions of strong acid or strong base
• Additions of strong acid are converted to a
weak acid by the base form of the buffer
compound

H3O+ + HCO3- H2 O +
H2CO3
strong
acid
Buffers Partially Neutralize
• A buffer works by partially neutralizing
additions of strong acid or strong base
• Additions of strong acid are converted to a
weak acid by the base form of the buffer
compound

H3O+ + HCO3- H2O +

H2CO3 weak base
strong
acid form of
buffer
Buffers Partially Neutralize
• A buffer works by partially neutralizing
additions of strong acid or strong base
• Additions of strong acid are converted to a
weak acid by the base form of the buffer
compound

H3O+ + HCO3- H2 O + H2CO3

strong weak base
acid form of
buffer
Buffers Partially Neutralize
• A buffer works by partially neutralizing
additions of strong acid or strong base
• Additions of strong acid are converted to a
weak acid by the base form of the buffer
compound

H3O+ + HCO3- H2 O + H2CO3

strong weak base weak acid
acid form of form of
buffer buffer
Buffers Resist pH Changes
• Unbuffered pure water at pH = 7.00
1 L H2O + 0.1 mol HCl pH =
1.00
1 L H2O + 0.1 mol NaOH pH = 13.00

• pH = 7.21 buffer (1 M H2PO4-/1M HPO42-)

1 L buffer + 0.1 mol HCl pH = 7.12
1 L buffer + 0.1 mol NaOH pH = 7.31
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• The pH of a prepared buffer can be
calculated from the Henderson-Hasselbalch
equation
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• The pH of a prepared buffer can be
calculated from the Henderson-Hasselbalch
equation

[base form]
pH = pKa + log
[acid form]
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• The pH of a prepared buffer can be
calculated from the Henderson-Hasselbalch
equation

[base form]
pH = pKa + log
[acid form]

This says the pH of a buffer will be close to

the pKa
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• The pH of a prepared buffer can be
calculated from the Henderson-Hasselbalch
equation

[base form]
pH = pKa + log
[acid form]

The log term is a correction factor to adjust

for the ratio of base form to acid form
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• The pH of a prepared buffer can be
calculated from the Henderson-Hasselbalch
equation

[base form]
pH = pKa + log
[acid form]

The greater the relative base concentration,

the higher the pH
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• What is the pH of a buffer made from
0.015 M HPO42- and 0.010 M H2PO4-?

[base form]
pH = pKa + log
[acid form]
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• What is the pH of a buffer made from
0.015 M HPO42- and 0.010 M H2PO4-?
base form

[base form]
pH = pKa + log
[acid form]
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• What is the pH of a buffer made from
0.015 M HPO42- and 0.010 M H2PO4-?
base form acid form

[base form]
pH = pKa + log
[acid form]
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• What is the pH of a buffer made from
0.015 M HPO42- and 0.010 M H2PO4-?
base form acid form

[0.015 M]
pH = pKa + log
[0.010 M]
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• What is the pH of a buffer made from
0.015 M HPO42- and 0.010 M H2PO4-?
base form acid form

[0.015 M]
pH = pKa + log
[0.010 M]

Look up in Table 9.3 (page 260)

Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• What is the pH of a buffer made from
0.015 M HPO42- and 0.010 M H2PO4-?
base form acid form

[0.015 M]
pH = pKa + log
[0.010 M]

Look up in Table 9.3 (page 260)

pKa = 7.21 for H2PO4-
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• What is the pH of a buffer made from
0.015 M HPO42- and 0.010 M H2PO4-?
base form acid form

[0.015 M]
pH = 7.21 +
log [0.010 M]

Look up in Table 9.3 (page 260)

pKa = 7.21 for H2PO4-
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• What is the pH of a buffer made from
0.015 M HPO42- and 0.010 M H2PO4-?
base form acid form

[0.015 M]
pH = 7.21 +
log [0.010 M]
pH = 7.21 + log 1.5
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• What is the pH of a buffer made from
0.015 M HPO42- and 0.010 M H2PO4-?
base form acid form

[0.015 M]
pH = 7.21 +
log [0.010 M]
pH = 7.21 + log 1.5
pH = 7.21 + 0.18
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• What is the pH of a buffer made from
0.015 M HPO42- and 0.010 M H2PO4-?
base form acid form

[0.015 M]
pH = 7.21 +
log [0.010 M]
pH = 7.21 + log 1.5
pH = 7.21 + 0.18 = 7.39
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• What is the pH of a buffer made from
0.015 M HPO42- and 0.010 M H2PO4-?
base form acid form

[0.015 M]
pH = 7.21 +
log [0.010 M]
pH = 7.21 + log 1.5
pH = 7.21 + 0.18 = 7.39
Close to physiological
ratio
    2  H3O +   2 K a2   
     
   [H 3O ] + K a1[H 3O ] + K a1K a2 [H 3O ] + K a1K a2 K a3   
+ 3 + 2 +

    
    + 2 +   
 1   - K w + K yC  -
[H 3O ] + 2 K a2 [H3O ] + 3 K a2 K a3   -1 
 K w  H O+  2 a1 a
   [H O + ]3 + K [H O + ]2 + K K [H O + ] + K K K      2

   H3O  + yCb -  H O +     3 
+
 
 
3 a1 3 a1 a2 3 a1 a2 a3




 3  



  2
3 H 3O  + 2  H 3O  K a1 + K a1K a2
+ +
 
 

   
   
 = -yCb 2.303[H 3O + ]Va  
 
  K  + 2 +
K a1[H 3O ] + 2 K a1K a2 [H3O ] + 3 K a1K a2 K a3   
  w
+ yC    
 H O +
 
  
   H 3O +  a + 3 + 2 +
[H3O ] + K a1[H 3O ] + K a1K a2 [H 3O ] + K a1K a2 K a3 
3
 
    1 + K 
 - w


2
 H3O +  
2
 Kw    
   H 3O  + yCb -
+
 
  H 3O  
+ 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Blood Buffering

• Blood is buffered to pH 7.4 by three buffer

systems
H2PO4-/HPO42- 1 : 1.6
H2CO3/HCO3- 1 : 10
Proteins Chapter 21
Blood Buffering

• Blood is buffered to pH 7.4 by three buffer

systems
H2PO4-/HPO42- 1 : 1.6
H2CO3/HCO3- 1 : 10
Proteins Chapter 21
H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer
H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[base form]
pH = pKa + log
[acid form]
H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[base form]
pH = pKa + log
[acid form]
H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
pH = pKa + log
[acid form]
H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
pH = pKa + log
[acid form]
H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
pH = pKa + log
[acid form]
H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
pH = pKa + log
[H2CO3]
H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
pH = pKa + log
[H2CO3]
H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
pH = pKa + log
[H2CO3]
H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
7.4 = pKa + log
[H2CO3]
H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
7.4 = pKa + log
[H2CO3]
H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
7.4 = pKa + log
[H2CO3]

pKa = 6.37 from Table 8.3

H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
7.4 = 6.37 +
log [H2CO3]
H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
7.4 = 6.37 +
log [H2CO3]

Now isolate the log term...

H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
7.4 = 6.37 +
log [H2CO3]

Now isolate the log term...

H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
7.4 - 6.37 = log
[H2CO3]

Now isolate the log term...

H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
1.03 = log
[H2CO3]

Now isolate the log term...

H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
1.03 = log
[H2CO3]
H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
1.03 = log
[H2CO3]

Get rid of the “log” by exponentiation

H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
101.03 =
log [H2CO3]

Get rid of the “log” by exponentiation

H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
10.72 =
log [H2CO3]

Get rid of the “log” by exponentiation

H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
10.72 =
log [H2CO3]

Thus we have 10.72 times more HCO3- than H2CO3

in our blood
H2CO3/HCO3- Blood Buffering

• Let’s confirm the H2CO3 : HCO3- ratio

needed for a pH 7.4 buffer

[HCO3-]
10.72 =
log [H2CO3]

Actual values are about 0.025 M HCO3- and 0.0025

M H2CO3
Acidosis
• Acidosis occurs when blood pH drops
below 7.35
• Depresses central nervous system
• Results in fainting or coma
• If drops too low or stays below 7.35 for a
protracted period, patient dies!
Respiratory Acidosis
• Caused by insufficient breathing
(hypoventilation)
Holding your breath
Emphysema, pneumonia, asthma,
congestive heart failure
• Unexpired CO2 builds up H2CO3 level in
blood
Respiratory Acidosis
• Caused by insufficient breathing
(hypoventilation)
Holding your breath
Emphysema, pneumonia, asthma,
congestive heart failure
• Unexpired CO2 builds up H2CO3 level in
blood
H2CO3 CO2(g) + H2O
Metabolic Acidosis
• Fasting or fad diets...
body burns fat -- acidic waste products
• Heavy exercise...
muscles produce excessive amounts of
lactic acid
• Diabetes mellitus...
produces acidic compounds called ketone
bodies (Section 28.6)
 Lewis Acids & Bases
• Lewis acid = electron
pair acceptor (BF3)

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 Lewis Acids & Bases
• Lewis acid = electron
pair acceptor (BF3)
• Lewis base = electron
pair donor (NH3)
 Lewis Acids & Bases
A Lewis acid and base can interact by sharing
an electron pair.
 Lewis Acids & Bases
A Lewis acid and base can interact by sharing
an electron pair.
Formation of hydronium ion is an excellent example.

•••••
••
O—H •••• +
++ • O—H H
H O—H
O—H
HH
H
H H
H
ACID
ACID BASE
BASE
 Lewis Acids & Bases
Other good examples involve metal ions.
•• ••
O—H
2+ Co
2+ •• ••
O—H
Co
H
ACID BASE H
 Lewis Acids & Bases
Other good examples involve metal ions.
•••••
••
•O—H
O—H 2+
Co 2+ •••••
••
2+
Co 2+
Co
Co •O—H
O—H
H
H
ACID BASE H
H
ACID BASE
Such bonds as the H2O ---> Co bond are often called
COORDINATE COVALENT BONDS because
both electrons are supplied by one of the atoms of the
bond.
 Lewis Acids & Bases
The combination of metal ions
(Lewis acids) with Lewis
bases such as H2O and NH3
------> COMPLEX
IONS
All metal ions form complex
ions with water —and are of
the type [M(H2O)x]n+ where
x = 4 and 6. [Cu(NH3)4]2+
 Lewis Acids & Bases
Add NH3 to light blue [Cu(H2O)4]2+ ------>
light blue Cu(OH)2 and then deep blue
[Cu(NH3)4]2+
 Lewis Acids & Bases
[Ni(H2O)6]2+ + 6 NH3 ---> [Ni(NH3)6]2+

+ DMG
 Lewis Acids & Bases
The Fe2+ in heme can interact with O2 or CO in a
Lewis acid-base reaction.
 Lewis Acids & Bases
Many complex ions containing water undergo
HYDROLYSIS to give acidic solutions.
 Lewis Acids & Bases
Many complex ions containing water undergo
HYDROLYSIS to give acidic solutions.
[Cu(H2O)4]2+ + H2O ---> [Cu(H2O)3(OH)]+ + H3O+
 Lewis Acids & Bases
Many complex ions containing water undergo
HYDROLYSIS to give acidic solutions.
This explains why water solutions of Fe3+, Al3+,
Cu2+, Pb2+, etc. are acidic.
 Lewis Acids & Bases
This explains AMPHOTERIC nature of
some metal hydroxides.
Al(OH)3(s) + 3 H+ --> Al3+ + 3 H2O
Here Al(OH)3 is a Brønsted base.
Al(OH)3(s) + OH- --> Al(OH)4-
Here Al(OH)3 is a Lewis acid.
 Lewis Acids & Bases
This explains AMPHOTERIC nature of
some metal hydroxides.
Al(OH)3(s) + 3 H+ --> Al3+ + 3 H2O
Here Al(OH)3 is a Brønsted base.
Al(OH)3(s) + OH- --> Al(OH)4-
Here Al(OH)3 is a Lewis acid.
••
••
Al3+
3+
Al O—H
O—H
--
••
••

••
••
 Amphoterism of Al(OH)3

Al(OH)3 on right Add NaOH Add HCl

See Kotz/Treichel, page 830
 Neutral Lewis Acid
Carbon dioxide is a neutral Lewis acid.

-0.75 +1.5 -0.75

 Lewis Acids & Bases
Many complex ions are very stable.
Cu2+ + 4 NH3 [Cu(NH3)4]2+
K for the reaction is called
Kformation
or a “formation constant”
Here K = 6.8 x 1012. Reaction is
strongly product-favored.
 Lewis Acids & Bases
Formation of complex ions explains why you can
dissolve a ppt. by forming a complex ion.
AgCl(s) + 2 NH3
Ag(NH3)2+ + Cl-

AgCl(s)
 Lewis Acids & Bases
Formation of complex ions explains why you can dissolve
a ppt. by forming a complex ion.
AgCl(s) Ag+ + Cl- Ksp = 1.8 x 10-10
Ag+ + 2 NH3 --> Ag(NH3)2+ Kform = 1.6 x 107
-------------------------------------
AgCl(s) + 2 NH3 Ag(NH3)2+ + Cl-
Knet = Ksp • Kform = 2.9 x 10-3