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Predict whether the following solutions will be acidic, basic, or nearly neutral: (a) LiClO4, (b) Na3PO4, (c) Bi(NO3)3, (d) NH4CN
Accepted Answer
Here's a breakdown of the acidity/basicity of the solutions:
(a) LiClO4: Lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) is formed from the strong base LiOH and the strong acid HClO4. Therefore, the solution will be nearly neutral.
(b) Na3PO4: Sodium phosphate (Na3PO4) is formed from the strong base NaOH and the weak acid H3PO4. Since the anion (PO4³⁻) is the conjugate base of a weak acid, it will hydrolyze in water, producing OH⁻ ions. Therefore, the solution will be basic.
(c) Bi(NO3)3: Bismuth nitrate (Bi(NO3)3) is formed from the weak base Bi(OH)3 and the strong acid HNO3. The cation Bi³⁺ will hydrolyze in water, producing H⁺ ions. Therefore, the solution will be acidic.
(d) NH4CN: Ammonium cyanide (NH4CN) is formed from the weak base NH3 and the weak acid HCN. The cation (NH4⁺) is the conjugate acid of a weak base, and the anion (CN⁻) is the conjugate base of a weak acid. Both ions will undergo hydrolysis. However, since HCN is a weaker acid than NH3 is a base, the solution will be slightly basic.
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