Question

Explain with equations and calculations, when necessary, whether an aqeous solution of each of these salts is acidic, basic or neutral: a) CH3NH3Cl b) LiClO4 c) CoF2

Answer 1

a)

CH3NH3Cl ---> CH3NH3+ + Cl-

CH3NH3+ interacts with water as follows

CH3NH3+ + H2O <---> CH3NH2+ + H3O+

therefore, this is ACIDIC

b)

LiClO4 --> Li+ and ClO4-

there are no interactions iwth water, this is NEUTRAL

c)

CoF2 ---> Co+2 and 2F-

Co+2 interacts with water as follows:

Co+2 + 2H2O <--> Co(OH)2(s)

Ksp = 3 x 10-16

and

2F- interacts with water as follows

F- + H2O <--> HF + OH-

Ka = 7.2*10^-2

therefore,

Ka >>> Ksp

expect this solution to be pretty BASIC