Chapter 17, Problem 12E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The identification of the species in the reaction, $\text{HF}\left(\text{aq}\right)+{\text{CN}}^{-}\left(\text{aq}\right)\to {\text{F}}^{-}\left(\text{aq}\right)+\text{HCN}\left(\text{aq}\right)$, whether as a Bronsted-Lowry acid or a Bronsted-Lowry base is to be stated. Whether the conjugate of each reactant is a conjugate acid or a conjugate base is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

According to the Bronsted-Lowry acid-base concept, an acid is a substance from which a proton can be removed and a base is a substance that can remove proton from an acid. In a reaction, the acid releases a proton to the base, leaving the anion and positive charge specie. In this way, they form acid- base pair, which is known as conjugated acid-base pair.