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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: yellowtail on September 22, 2007, 03:42:39 PM

Title: Acidic anion
Post by: yellowtail on September 22, 2007, 03:42:39 PM

Hi,

What is an acidic anion?

Thanks

Title: Re: Acidic anion
Post by: sjb on September 23, 2007, 05:39:01 AM

Consider what an acid is - there are various definitions depending on what type of work you're doing.

Consider what an anion is, then see if you can think of species that fit both definitions.

S

Title: Re: Acidic anion
Post by: yellowtail on September 23, 2007, 10:13:53 AM

I though it was a molecule, which upon dissosiating, released a hydrogen ion.

Title: Re: Acidic anion
Post by: sjb on September 25, 2007, 10:29:15 AM

OK, given that definition you may struggle to find an electronically neutral species that is also an anion ;)

Why not extend it further and wider to a species (in general) that dissociates to give a hydronium (H⁺) ion.

Any thoughts now?

S

Title: Re: Acidic anion
Post by: yellowtail on September 26, 2007, 12:42:13 PM

Could it be something like an ammonium molecule? 

I'm teaching myself chemisty (not part of my course) so if my question seems a bit simplistic that's why. I appreciate you help sjb.

Title: Re: Acidic anion
Post by: AWK on September 26, 2007, 12:49:58 PM

What about HSO₄^- ?

Title: Re: Acidic anion
Post by: yellowtail on September 26, 2007, 02:10:30 PM

That will be an acidic anion  :)

Can't believe I didn't get that, seems so obvious now. Where did I get ammonium from? thanks.