Bronsted-Lowery Help: Understanding HCOOH + CN- and H2O + HCO3- Reactions

stuidvkook · 2022-01-26T16:03:01+00:00

1) HCOOH + CN- ---> HCOOH- + HCN 2) H2O + HCO3- H3O+ + CO3-2

Jan 26, 2022

stuidvkook

Homework Statement: Hi I'm super stuck in understanding bronsted lowry theory. I understand how it supposed to function but I can't wrap my brain around it. Generally any tips and advice in helping identifying bases and acids would greatly help me.

In the attempt at a solution is my possible take on this challenge, my friend offered to check it for me and said he is certain that the second one is completely incorrect.

Translation: First equation find acid and the conjugate acid.
Second equation find the base and the conjugate base.

Relevant Equations: bronsted lowry conjugate acids and conjugate bases.

1) HCOOH + CN^- ---> HCOOH^- + HCN

2) H₂O + HCO₃^- <===> H₃O⁺ + CO3^-2

Last edited: Jan 26, 2022

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Jan 26, 2022

Borek

Mentor

Can you quote the definition of conjugate acid and base? How do they differ?

Jan 26, 2022

Ygggdrasil

Science Advisor

Insights Author

Gold Member

Reaction 1 is not a balanced chemical equation (compare the number of hydrogen atoms on the left side of the reaction vs the right side of the reaction).

5. How do I determine the direction of the reaction between H2O and HCO3-?

The direction of the reaction depends on the relative strengths of the acid and base. The stronger acid will donate a proton to the stronger base, forming the weaker conjugate acid and base. In this case, HCO3- is a stronger base than H2O, so the reaction will proceed in the forward direction to form H3O+ and CO3^2-.