Question

Classify each of the following reactants and products as an acid or base according to the Bonsted theory.a. H2Ob. C5H6N^+c. OH^-d. C5H5N

Answer 1

Answer: The acids are $H_2O\text{ and }C_5H_5N^+$ and the bases are $C_5H_5N\text{ and }OH^-$

Explanation:

According to the Bronsted Lowry conjugate acid-base theory, an acid is defined as a substance which donates protons and a base is defined as a substance which accepts protons.

The given chemical equation follows:

$C_5H_5N+H_2O\rightarrow C_5H_6N^++OH^-$

On the reactant side:

$C_5H_5N$ is accepting a proton from water. So, it is acting as a base.

$H_2O$ is donating a proton to pyridine. So, it is acting as an acid.

On the reactant side:

$OH^-$ is accepting a proton from pyridinium ion. So, it is acting as a base.

$C_5H_5N^+$ is donating a proton to hydroxide ion. So, it is acting as an acid.

Hence, the acids are $H_2O\text{ and }C_5H_5N^+$ and the bases are $C_5H_5N\text{ and }OH^-$