hydrocyanic

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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Write an equation to show that hydrocyanic acid HCN , behaves as an acid in water.

**Title: Understanding the Acid Behavior of Hydrocyanic Acid (HCN) in Water**

**Equation Context:**

To demonstrate how hydrocyanic acid (HCN) acts as an acid when dissolved in water, we need to understand the basic reaction that occurs. Acids are substances that donate protons (H⁺ ions) to other entities. 

**Chemical Equation:**

\[ \text{HCN} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \leftrightarrows \text{H}_3\text{O}^+ + \text{CN}^- \]

**Explanation:**

1. **Reactants:**
   - **HCN:** Hydrocyanic acid, the acid in this reaction.
   - **H₂O:** Water, which acts as the base.

2. **Products:**
   - **H₃O⁺ (Hydronium Ion):** Forms when HCN donates a proton (H⁺) to the water molecule.
   - **CN⁻ (Cyanide Ion):** The conjugate base of HCN after losing a proton.

**Conceptual Understanding:**

In an aqueous solution, HCN donates a proton to the water. This proton transfer leads to the formation of the hydronium ion (H₃O⁺), which is indicative of the acidic nature of a solution, and the cyanide ion (CN⁻), demonstrating the acid's dissociation. This reaction is reversible and the equilibrium lies towards the reactants, indicating that HCN is a weak acid.
Transcribed Image Text:**Title: Understanding the Acid Behavior of Hydrocyanic Acid (HCN) in Water** **Equation Context:** To demonstrate how hydrocyanic acid (HCN) acts as an acid when dissolved in water, we need to understand the basic reaction that occurs. Acids are substances that donate protons (H⁺ ions) to other entities. **Chemical Equation:** \[ \text{HCN} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \leftrightarrows \text{H}_3\text{O}^+ + \text{CN}^- \] **Explanation:** 1. **Reactants:** - **HCN:** Hydrocyanic acid, the acid in this reaction. - **H₂O:** Water, which acts as the base. 2. **Products:** - **H₃O⁺ (Hydronium Ion):** Forms when HCN donates a proton (H⁺) to the water molecule. - **CN⁻ (Cyanide Ion):** The conjugate base of HCN after losing a proton. **Conceptual Understanding:** In an aqueous solution, HCN donates a proton to the water. This proton transfer leads to the formation of the hydronium ion (H₃O⁺), which is indicative of the acidic nature of a solution, and the cyanide ion (CN⁻), demonstrating the acid's dissociation. This reaction is reversible and the equilibrium lies towards the reactants, indicating that HCN is a weak acid.
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