Question

The species present in solution when $C{O}_2$ is dissolved in water are:

• A. $C{O}_2,H_{2}C{O}_3,HC{O}_3^{-},C{O}_3^{2-}$
• B. $H_{2}C{O}_3,C{O}_3^{2-}$
• C. $HC{O}_3^{-},C{O}_3^{2-}$
• D. $C{O}_2,H_{2}C{O}_3$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $C{O}_2,H_{2}C{O}_3,HC{O}_3^{-},C{O}_3^{2-}$

When $C{O}_2$ is dissolved in water, the following equilibria are established:
$H_{2}O+C{O}_2\rightleftharpoons H_{2}C{O}_3$
$H_{2}C{O}_3\rightleftharpoons H^{+}+HC{O}_3^{-}$
$HC{O}_3^{-}\rightleftharpoons H^{+}+C{O}_3^{2-}$
Therefore, in solution, all of the above mentioned species exist.