Question

What is the conjugate base of ${\text{HCO}}_3^{-}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$?

Answer 1

A conjugate acid-base pair is an acid-base pair that differs only by one proton.

Conjugate base

• When a proton is removed from an acid, a conjugate base is formed.
• Conjugate bases have one proton less and one more negative charge compared to the species that is forming it.

The conjugate base of ${\text{HCO}}_3^{-}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$

• The conjugate base of ${\text{HCO}}_3^{-}$ is ${\text{CO}}_3^{2-}$.
• The conjugate base of ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$ is ${\mathrm{OH}}^{-}$.