Define the term amphiprotic - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 22 - 2004 - Paper 1
Question 22
Define the term amphiprotic.
Write TWO chemical equations to show that the dihydrogen phosphate ion (H₂PO₄⁻) is amphiprotic.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Define the term amphiprotic - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 22 - 2004 - Paper 1
Step 1
Define the term amphiprotic.
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Answer
Amphiprotic refers to a substance that can act both as an acid and a base. This means it has the ability to donate a proton (H⁺) to a base or accept a proton from an acid.
Step 2
Write TWO chemical equations to show that the dihydrogen phosphate ion (H₂PO₄⁻) is amphiprotic.
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Answer
As an acid, H₂PO₄⁻ can donate a proton to form the hydrogen phosphate ion (HPO₄²⁻):
ightarrow HPO₄^{2-} + H^{+} $$
As a base, H₂PO₄⁻ can accept a proton to form phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄):
