Conjugate acid

From Conservapedia
Jump to: navigation, search

When a molecule receives a proton, it is called the conjugate acid of the original molecule. For example, NH4+ is the conjugate acid of NH3. NH4+ and NH3 are a conjugate acid-base pair. One can be transformed into the other by undergoing a simple acid-base reaction.

The conjugate acid acts as an acid, with a strength inversely proportional to the strength of its conjugate base. For example, since NH3 is a weak base, NH4+ is a fairly strong acid.

See also