Problem 16.96

Based on their compositions and structures and on conjugate acid-base relationships, select the stronger base in each of the following pairs:

(a)NO₃^- or NO₂^-

Nitrate ion is the conjugate base of a strong acid; nitrous ion is the conjugate base of a weak acid, and therefore is a stronger base than nitrate ion.

(b) PO₄^3- or AsO₄^3-

Hmmm.. form the acids related to these anions, and go from there. P is more electronegative than As, H₃PO₄ is the stronger acid, and AsO₄^3- is the stronger base.

(c) HCO₃^- or CO₃^2-

Carbonate ion is the stronger base - the more negative the anion, the stronger the attraction for protons. Could you calculate K_b for both species and verify this?