Problem 48

Question

Conjugate base of hydrazoic acid is (a) \(\mathrm{HN}_{3}^{-}\) (b) \(\mathrm{N}_{2}^{-}\) (c) Azide ion (d) Nitride ion

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
The conjugate base of hydrazoic acid is the azide ion.
1Step 1: Understand the Concept
A conjugate base is formed when an acid donates a proton (H⁺). For hydrazoic acid ( formula{HN_3}), it donates a proton to form its conjugate base.
2Step 2: Write the Reaction
The reaction for hydrazoic acid donating a proton is: \( \mathrm{HN_3} \rightarrow \mathrm{H}^+ + \mathrm{N_3}^- \). This shows that the hydrazoic acid loses a hydrogen ion to form the azide ion.
3Step 3: Identify the Conjugate Base
From the reaction, the anion formed is \( \mathrm{N_3}^- \). This ion is known as the azide ion, which is the conjugate base of hydrazoic acid.

Key Concepts

Acid-Base ReactionsHydrazoic AcidAzide Ion
Acid-Base Reactions
Acid-base reactions are fundamental processes in chemistry where an acid and a base interact, often resulting in the exchange of protons. Acids are substances that can donate a proton ( H^+ ), while bases can accept a proton. This exchange of protons is a characteristic feature of these reactions and is the basis for understanding them.

One of the key concepts is the formation of conjugate acid-base pairs. When an acid donates a proton, it transforms into its conjugate base. Similarly, when a base accepts a proton, it transforms into its conjugate acid. These pairs are crucial in predicting the direction and extent of the reaction. For instance, in the reaction involving hydrazoic acid ( HN_3 ), when it donates a proton, it turns into its conjugate base, the azide ion ( N_3^- ).

  • Acid: Proton donor
  • Base: Proton acceptor
  • Conjugate base: Formed when an acid loses a proton
  • Conjugate acid: Formed when a base gains a proton
Understanding these relationships can help track how substances change during reactions, and are vital for solving related chemical problems.
Hydrazoic Acid
Hydrazoic acid, chemically represented as HN_3 , is a weak acid known for its explosive properties and its use in chemical laboratories. It consists of hydrogen bonded to three nitrogen atoms. Despite its toxicity and reactivity, it serves as an excellent example of an acid in acid-base reaction discussions.

The defining feature of hydrazoic acid is its ability to donate a hydrogen ion (proton) to another substance. In doing so, it transforms, demonstrating the concept of conjugation in acid-base chemistry. The donated proton is what categorizes HN_3 as an acid, and its transformation into the azide ion ( N_3^- ) upon losing this proton highlights its conjugate base.

  • Chemical formula: HN_3
  • Forms azide ion when a proton is donated
  • Used in specialized industrial and research applications
Azide Ion
The azide ion, represented as N_3^- , is an important conjugate base in chemistry, especially when considering acid-base reactions involving hydrazoic acid. It emerges when hydrazoic acid loses a proton, thus becoming negatively charged.

Azide ions have interesting chemistry due to their stability as an ion and their reactivity in various chemical processes. They are structurally composed of three nitrogen atoms arranged in a linear fashion, which is crucial to their chemical behavior. These ions are sometimes encountered in the synthesis of various chemical compounds and are known for their potential energy release, which is significant in industries that rely on explosive materials.

  • Chemical formula: N_3^-
  • Conjugate base of hydrazoic acid
  • Found in many reactive and energetic processes