Why do H+ ions not react with the atoms/molecules they're originally bonded to?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the behavior of H+ ions in solution, specifically in the context of hydrochloric acid (HCl) dissociation. Participants explore why H+ ions do not appear to react with Cl- ions in solution, examining the underlying chemical processes and interactions involved.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why H+ ions do not react with Cl- ions in solution, despite both being present in equal concentrations.
  • Another participant asserts that H+ and Cl- do interact, emphasizing the role of hydration in the dissociation of HCl in solution.
  • A further contribution suggests that it is more accurate to view the dissociation as a reaction between HCl and water, leading to the formation of H+ and Cl- ions.
  • A participant provides the dissociation equation for HCl and mentions the dissociation constant (K_a), noting that while there may be minute amounts of undissociated HCl, the large K_a indicates that dissociation is favored.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interaction between H+ and Cl- ions, with some asserting that they do not react significantly in solution, while others argue that they do interact through the process of dissociation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the nature of these interactions.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions about the behavior of ions in solution and the role of hydration that are not fully explored. The discussion also touches on the implications of the dissociation constant, which may not be universally understood among participants.

wasteofo2
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If you dissolve HCl in solution, the why do the H+ and the Cl- not react with one another? The H+ will react with any metal, will react with OH-, will react with your skin for sure, along with many other things, but why does it seem to just ignore a perfectly good negative ion that is in the exact same concentration as it is.
 
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But it DOES. You have to remember this is hydrogen chloride gas IN solution, which allows Dissociation of the HCl molecule due to Hydration.
 
Yeah, better to think of it as the HCl molecule reacts with water to dissociate the two.
 
Hydrogen chloride dissociates in water

[tex]HCl \leftrightarrow H^+ + Cl^-[/tex]

dissociation constant for this reaction is

[tex]K_a = \frac {[H^+][Cl^-]} {[HCl]}[/tex]

pKa = -4 (see pKa tables at ChemBuddy).

So in every solution of hydrochloric acid you may expect minute amounts of undissociated HCl - but as the Ka constant is large, these will be VERY minute.
 

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