Question

Write a net ionic equation to show that codeine, c18h21o3n, behaves as a bronsted-lowry base in water.

Answer 1

Net ionic equation:

C₁₈H₂₁O₃N(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇄ C₁₈H₂₁O₃NH⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq).

According to  Bronsted-Lowry theory acid are donor of protons and bases are acceptors of protons (the hydrogen cation or H⁺).

Codeine (C₁₈H₂₁O₃N) is Bronsted base and it can accept proton and become conjugate acid (C₁₈H₂₁O₃NH⁺).

pKb for codeine is 5.8.