Question

Sort these compounds as a Brønsted–Lowry acid, a Brønsted–Lowry base, or neither. H3PO4, HI, HCI, CH3CHO, KOH, (CH3)2NH, CH2Cl2

Answer 1

According to Brønsted–Lowry acid base theory acids are proton donar while bases are proton acceptor. If any compound does not follow this then it is a neutral compound.

In above examples, phosporic acid dissociate to give H+ ion in solution, therefore it is a Brønsted–Lowry acid.

HI, HCl gives H+ in solution therefore it is a Brønsted–Lowry acid.

CH3CHO and CH2Cl2 (dichloromethane) does not give H+ or does not accept H+ ion in solution, therefore it is a neutral compound.

KOH, (CH3)2NH accepts H+ ion in solution and therefore is Brønsted–Lowry base.