Difference between revisions of "Conjugate acid"

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Consider the pair of molecules HX and X<sup>−</sup>. HX can react to form X<sup>−</sup>, and vice versa, through an [[acid-base reaction]]. Thus, HX is the conjugate acid of X<sup>−</sup> (and X<sup>−</sup> is the conjugate base of HX.)
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When a base receives a proton, it is called the '''conjugate acid''' of that base. For example, NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> is the conjugate acid of NH<sub>3</sub>. NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> and NH<sub>3</sub> are a conjugate acid-base pair. One can be transformed into the other by undergoing a simple [[acid-base reaction]].
  
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HX acts as an acid, with a strength inversely proportional to the strength of its conjugate base.
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The conjugate acid acts as an acid, with a strength inversely proportional to the strength of its conjugate base. For example, since NH<sub>3</sub> is a weak base, NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> is a fairly strong acid.
  
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==

Revision as of 14:40, August 3, 2009

When a base receives a proton, it is called the conjugate acid of that base. 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