Chapter 16, Problem 111IL

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Among three solutions A, B, and C each contain a different cation and the other two solutions Y and Z each containing a different anion. Five unknown solutions are to be stated.

Concept introduction:

Metal cations have two characteristics that allow them to act as a Lewis acid:

(a) Their positive charge that attracts electrons.

(b) They have at least one empty orbital that can accommodate an electron pair.

Anions can act as a Lewis base because they have a lone pair of the electron that can donate to an empty orbital of Lewis acid and anion can also act as a bronsted base because they can accept a proton from an acid to form the conjugate acid of the ion.

A conjugate acid-base pair contains two compounds that differ only by a hydrogen ion and a charge of $+1$.

The stronger the acid, the weaker its conjugate base and vice-verca.