So how do you know when a chemical is an acid or not? I know that an

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The discussion centers on identifying acids, specifically focusing on the definitions and naming conventions of compounds like HNO2 and HCl. It establishes that an acid is a compound that yields H+ ions when dissolved in water, emphasizing that not all hydrogen-containing compounds are acids unless they exhibit this behavior in an aqueous solution. The conversation highlights various definitions of acids, notably the Brønsted definition as proton donors and the Lewis definition as electron-pair acceptors, with a preference for the Lewis definition due to its broader applicability.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of acid-base theories, specifically Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis definitions.
  • Familiarity with chemical nomenclature and the naming of inorganic compounds.
  • Knowledge of functional groups, particularly carboxylic acids (-COOH) and sulfonic acids (SO3H).
  • Basic chemistry concepts regarding aqueous solutions and ionization.
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  • Research the Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis definitions of acids in detail.
  • Study the naming conventions for inorganic acids and their corresponding anions.
  • Explore the properties and examples of carboxylic acids and sulfonic acids.
  • Learn about the role of acids in various chemical reactions and their behavior in aqueous solutions.
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Chemistry students, educators, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of acid-base chemistry and chemical nomenclature.

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So how do you know when a chemical is an acid or not? I know that an acid is a compound that, when dissolved, yields H atoms, but does that mean than any compound with H in it is (or has the potential to be) an acid?

For example:

HNO2, I put down that it was Hydrogen Nitrite, but the actual answer is Nitrous acid. How do I know whether or not to name it as an acid?
 
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Calling HNO2 as hydrogen nitrite is not wrong (likewise, we can call HCl as hydrogen chloride). I suppose it is only when the substance, that has the description of an acid, is in water (aqueous) do we call it an acid.

I suppose you would just have to remember which are acids and which aren't. Usually, whatever inorganic compound has a hydrogen atom, or compounds with SO3H and COOH are acids. Can't remember others. =P
 


There are several different definitions of acids. Brønsted being one guy who defined an acid as a substance that loses/gives/donates H+ (proton donor). Lewis is another one, and defines acid as a substance that is an electron-pair acceptor.

There probably are other definitions as well. And let's not forget the organic functional group
-COOH.
 


I think the lewis definition is the best since the other definitions can be explained by the accepting of electrons
 

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