Acid-Base ReactionsA “Basic” Introduction

Acids

Ionize in aqueous solutions to form H+ ions

Memorize the 7 strong acids (completely ionize, never write as complete formula)

All other acids are weak and you write as the complete formula, not ions

Bases

Substances that react with H+ ions

Memorize 8 strong acids (completely ionize)

All others are weak and do not completely ionize, write as complete formulas

Neutralization

Reaction that occurs when acid and base solutions are mixed to produce water and a salt:

H2SO4 + Ca(OH)2 CaSO4 + 2H2O

Strong acids and bases and salts would be ionized, so the net ionic looks like:

2H+ + 2OH- 2H2O

Weird Acid-Base Reactions

When ionic compounds containing carbonate, sulfite, or sulfide ions react with an acid a gas is released CO2 from carbonate

SO2 from sulfite

H2S from sulfide

More weirdness

Nonmetal oxides are acidic and react with bases:

SO2 + 2NaOH Na2SO3 + H2O

Metal oxides are basic and react with acids:

Na2O + 2HCl 2NaCl + H2O

Really weird…

If you are having trouble figuring out the products, try adding a water to the nonmetal &/or metal oxide:

SO2 + MgO MgSO3

Add a water to each reactant:

H2SO3 + Mg(OH)2 2H2O + MgSO3

Now cancel out 2 waters on each side and you have your reaction.

Practice

Gaseous hydrogen chloride is bubbled through a solution of sodium hydroxide.

Aqueous potassium hydroxide is mixed with a solution of acetic acid.

Calcium hydrogen carbonate solid is added to an aqueous solution of acetic acid.

Aqueous nitric acid reacts with solid lithium sulfite.

Sulfuric acid solution is added to solid aluminum oxide.

Carbon dioxide gas is bubbled through aqueous sodium hydroxide.

Gaseous hydrogen chloride is bubbled through a solution of

sodium hydroxide.

Aqueous potassium hydroxide is mixed with a solution of acetic

acid.

Calcium hydrogen carbonate solid is added to an aqueous solution of acetic

acid.

Aqueous nitric acid reacts with solid lithium sulfite.

Sulfuric acid solution is added to solid aluminum oxide.

Carbon dioxide gas is bubbled through aqueous sodium

hydroxide.