Which is amphiprotic?
(A) H₂SO₄
(B) NH₄⁺
(C) HCO₃⁻
(D) SO₄²⁻ - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2002 - Paper 1
Question 6
Which is amphiprotic?
(A) H₂SO₄
(B) NH₄⁺
(C) HCO₃⁻
(D) SO₄²⁻
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which is amphiprotic?
(A) H₂SO₄
(B) NH₄⁺
(C) HCO₃⁻
(D) SO₄²⁻ - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2002 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the options
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Answer
The options given are:
(A) H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid)
(B) NH₄⁺ (ammonium ion)
(C) HCO₃⁻ (bicarbonate ion)
(D) SO₄²⁻ (sulfate ion)
We need to find out which of these species can act as both an acid and a base.
Step 2
Evaluate each option for amphiprotic behavior
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Answer
H₂SO₄: This is a strong acid and cannot accept a proton, thus it is not amphiprotic.
NH₄⁺: This can donate a proton but cannot accept one, so it is not amphiprotic.
HCO₃⁻: This species can donate a proton to become CO₃²⁻ (acting as an acid) or accept a proton to become H₂CO₃ (acting as a base). Therefore, it is amphiprotic.
SO₄²⁻: This ion can only accept protons to form HSO₄⁻ and cannot donate, hence it is not amphiprotic.
Step 3
Conclusion
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Answer
Based on the evaluations above, the correct answer is (C) HCO₃⁻, as it is the only option that can act both as an acid and a base.
