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Ch.16 - Acids and Bases
Chapter 16, Problem 96a,b,d

Determine whether each anion is basic or neutral. For those anions that are basic, write an equation that shows how the anion acts as a base. a. C7H5O2 b. I d. F

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Identify the conjugate acid of each anion. The conjugate acid of an anion is the species formed when the anion gains a proton (H<sup>+</sup>).
Determine the strength of the conjugate acid. If the conjugate acid is a weak acid, the anion is likely to be basic. If the conjugate acid is a strong acid, the anion is likely to be neutral.
For C<sub>7</sub>H<sub>5</sub>O<sub>2</sub><sup>–</sup>, identify the conjugate acid as benzoic acid (C<sub>7</sub>H<sub>6</sub>O<sub>2</sub>), which is a weak acid, indicating that the anion is basic.
For I<sup>–</sup>, identify the conjugate acid as hydroiodic acid (HI), which is a strong acid, indicating that the anion is neutral.
For F<sup>–</sup>, identify the conjugate acid as hydrofluoric acid (HF), which is a weak acid, indicating that the anion is basic. Write the equation for the basic behavior of F<sup>–</sup>: F<sup>–</sup> + H<sub>2</sub>O ⇌ HF + OH<sup>–</sup>.

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