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In chemistry, an acid–base reaction is a chemical reaction that occurs between an acid and a base.It can be used to determine pH via titration.Several theoretical frameworks provide alternative conceptions of the reaction mechanisms and their application in solving related problems; these are called the acid–base theories, for example, Brønsted–Lowry acid–base theory.
For example, acetic acid is a weak acid which has a = 1.75 x 10 −5. Its conjugate base is the acetate ion with K b = 10 −14 /K a = 5.7 x 10 −10 (from the relationship K a × K b = 10 −14), which certainly does not correspond to a strong base. The conjugate of a weak acid is often a weak base and vice versa.
Likewise, any aqueous base with an association constant pK b less than about 0, corresponding to pK a greater than about 14, is leveled to OH − and is considered a strong base. [22] Nitric acid, with a pK value of around −1.7, behaves as a strong acid in aqueous solutions with a pH greater than 1. [23] At lower pH values it behaves as a ...
On the other hand, if a chemical is a weak acid its conjugate base will not necessarily be strong. Consider that ethanoate, the conjugate base of ethanoic acid, has a base splitting constant (Kb) of about 5.6 × 10 −10, making it a weak base. In order for a species to have a strong conjugate base it has to be a very weak acid, like water.
The position of equilibrium varies from base to base when a weak base reacts with water. The further to the left it is, the weaker the base. [5] When there is a hydrogen ion gradient between two sides of the biological membrane, the concentration of some weak bases are focused on only one side of the membrane. [6]
For example, hydrochloric acid, HCl, is a strong acid. HCl(aq) → H + (aq) + Cl − (aq) A strong base is one that is fully dissociated in aqueous solution. For example, sodium hydroxide, NaOH, is a strong base. NaOH(aq) → Na + (aq) + OH − (aq) Therefore, when a strong acid reacts with a strong base the neutralization reaction can be ...
In this case the acid does not split up but the base, H 2 O, does. A solution of B(OH) 3 is acidic because hydrogen ions are given off in this reaction. There is strong evidence that dilute aqueous solutions of ammonia contain minute amounts of the ammonium ion + + +
Note that when an acid neutralizes a base, the pH may or may not be neutral (pH = 7). The pH depends on the strengths of the acid and base. In the case of a weak acid and strong base titration, the pH is greater than 7 at the equivalence point. Thus pH can be calculated using the following formula: [1]