Which Acids/Bases React with Water to Produce Non-Neutral Solutions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the reactivity of the substances KCN, NaF, KBr, LiCl, and NH4Br with water to produce non-neutral solutions. The consensus identifies KCN, NaF, and NH4Br as the substances that will react to create a non-neutral pH due to the presence of weak acids and their conjugate bases. Specifically, KCN and NaF are derived from weak acids (HCN and HF), while NH4Br contains the weak acid NH4+. In contrast, KBr and LiCl, derived from strong acids, do not affect the pH significantly.

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Homework Statement


Which of the substanced KCN, NaF, KBr, LiCl, and NH4Br will react with water to produce non-neutral solutions?
a.) KCN, LiCl and NH4Br
b.) KCN, NaF and NH4Br
c.) NaF, LiCl and NH4Br
d.) NaF, KBr and NH4Br
e.) KCN, KBr and LiCl


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution


Okay, so I ruled out e because NH4+ is a weak acid and should produce a non-neutral solution in water. The rest all appear to be conjugate bases of acids, but I'm having trouble deciding which ones will result in a non-neutral pH.

So... I guess I've been given the conjugate bases of two weak acids (HCN and HF) and the conjugate bases of two strong acids (HBr and HCl) I'm thinking... since HBr and HCl are strong acids, the Cl- and Br- in LiCl and KBr added to water aren't going to do much. Whereas maybe the F- in NaF and CN- in KCN would set up an equilibrium in water? So I guess I'm thinking b, but I'm really not sure. Any help is appreciated.
 
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I agree with your logic...
 
Forgot I posted this! Thanks for your response. :)
 

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