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Why is NaHCO3 solution is basic? (1 Viewer)

fartman

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So, apparently Sodium bicarb solution has a pH of >7 in solution, so that must mean the HCO3- ion must accept a proton from water becoming carbonic acid and producing OH-. However im just wondering, what is stopping the HCO3- from donating a proton to water, producing H3O+, causing the solution to become acidic?
HELP PLZ GUISE
 

Dylanamali

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NaHCO3 or sodium hydrogen carbonate is actually an amphiprotic substance - that is, it can act as an acid or a base by donating or accepting a proton according to Bronsted Lowry's theory.
This is because of the hydrogen carbonate ion which can either accept or donate a proton, as you have said.

That is why NaHCO3 is a valuable substance for neutralising chemical spills because it is a weak amphiprotic substance in powder form.
 

someth1ng

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NaHCO3 or sodium hydrogen carbonate is actually an amphiprotic substance - that is, it can act as an acid or a base by donating or accepting a proton according to Bronsted Lowry's theory.
This is because of the hydrogen carbonate ion which can either accept or donate a proton, as you have said.

That is why NaHCO3 is a valuable substance for neutralising chemical spills because it is a weak amphiprotic substance in powder form.
What causes it to be basic? Is it a tendency for it to accept protons in solution of water?
 

fartman

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NaHCO3 or sodium hydrogen carbonate is actually an amphiprotic substance - that is, it can act as an acid or a base by donating or accepting a proton according to Bronsted Lowry's theory.
This is because of the hydrogen carbonate ion which can either accept or donate a proton, as you have said.

That is why NaHCO3 is a valuable substance for neutralising chemical spills because it is a weak amphiprotic substance in powder form.
ok yeah its amphiprotic, but my question was why is it basic in water - does it just have a higher tendency to accept a proton from water than to donate one?
 

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