How to Classify Reactions: Hydrolysis, Ionization, and Self-Protolysis

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on classifying chemical reactions, specifically hydrolysis, ionization, and self-protolysis. The reaction NH4(aq) + H2O(l) <--> NH3(aq) + H3O+(aq) is identified as hydrolysis due to the formation of H3O+ from water, while CO32-(aq) + H2O(l) <--> HCO3-(aq) + OH-(aq) illustrates a different mechanism where water decomposes into H+ and OH-. The distinction lies in the context of hydrolysis, which generally refers to decomposition by reaction with water, but can vary based on the specific reaction involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of acid-base chemistry
  • Familiarity with chemical reaction types
  • Knowledge of aqueous solutions and their behavior
  • Basic grasp of equilibrium concepts in chemistry
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of acid-base equilibrium in aqueous solutions
  • Learn about the mechanisms of hydrolysis in different chemical contexts
  • Explore examples of self-protolysis in various compounds
  • Investigate the role of water in chemical reactions and its decomposition
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the classification of chemical reactions, particularly in aqueous environments.

Jbreezy
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Homework Statement



Hello,
I'm trying to learn how to classify reactions. I want to know how do I tell ionization, self protolysis and hydrolysis.

Homework Equations



NH4(aq) + H20(l) <--> NH3(aq) + H30(aq)+ This is hydrolysis why? How does it differ from this hydrolysis.
CO32-(aq) + H20(l) <--> HCO3-(aq) + OH-(aq) I don't understand.

Can you please give me examples of how to classify each reaction asked about?
Thanks
j
 
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Jbreezy said:
NH4(aq) + H20(l) <--> NH3(aq) + H30(aq)+ This is hydrolysis why?

I would not call it hydrolysis, just dissociation. Produced proton attaches to the water molecule.

How does it differ from this hydrolysis.
CO32-(aq) + H20(l) <--> HCO3-(aq) + OH-(aq) I don't understand.

Here water molecule is split into H+ and OH-.

Trick is, hydrolysis means slightly different things in different contexts. On a general level hydrolysis means "decomposition by reaction with water". Apparently there is no compound decomposition in the case of dissociated carbonate - there is a reaction with water, in which it is water that decomposes.
 

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