Is {eq}HCN {/eq} classified as a strong acid, weak acid, strong base, or weak base? Explain.
Question:
Is {eq}HCN {/eq} classified as a strong acid, weak acid, strong base, or weak base? Explain.
Bronsted-Lowry Acids and Bases:
A Bronsted-Lowry acid is a covalent species with two important features. Firstly, it has at least one covalent "H-X" bond that can be reversibly dissociated in aqueous solution. Secondly, this dissociation must occur to a measurable degree, such that the presence of an "H-X" bond does not necessarily guarantee acidity. A Bronsted-Lowry base also has two important features. Firstly, it must have at least one available non-bonding valence electron pair on a constituent atom. Secondly, this non-bonding pair must be able to accept a donated proton (from an acid) in aqueous solution to a measurable degree. Many covalent species contain both "H-X" bonds and non-bonding valence electron pairs, but they will only function as an acid, or a base.
Answer and Explanation:
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View this answerAnswer: weak acid
The formula shown corresponds to the covalent species of hydrocyanic acid. It has a central carbon atom that is singly bonded to a...
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Chapter 28 / Lesson 13Learn the definition of weak acids, study common examples, discover the difference between strong and weak acids, and understand how to write weak acid equilibrium equations.