Acid-Base Reactions
A “Basic” Introduction
S
Acids
S Ionize in aqueous solutions to form H+ ions
S Memorize the 7 strong acids (completely ionize, never write
as complete formula)
S All other acids are weak and you write as the complete
formula, not ions
Bases
S Substances that react with H+ ions
S Memorize 8 strong acids (completely ionize)
S All others are weak and do not completely ionize, write as
complete formulas
Neutralization
S Reaction that occurs when acid and base solutions are
mixed to produce water and a salt:
H2SO4 + Ca(OH)2  CaSO4 + 2H2O
S Strong acids and bases and salts would be ionized, so the
net ionic looks like:
2H+ + 2OH-  2H2O
Weird Acid-Base Reactions
S When ionic compounds containing carbonate, sulfite, or
sulfide ions react with an acid a gas is released
S CO2 from carbonate
S SO2 from sulfite
S H2S from sulfide
More weirdness
S Nonmetal oxides are acidic and react with bases:
SO2 + 2NaOH  Na2SO3 + H2O
S Metal oxides are basic and react with acids:
Na2O + 2HCl  2NaCl + H2O
Really weird…
S If you are having trouble figuring out the products, try
adding a water to the nonmetal &/or metal oxide:
SO2 + MgO  MgSO3
Add a water to each reactant:
H2SO3 + Mg(OH)2  2H2O + MgSO3
Now cancel out 2 waters on each side and you have your
reaction.
Practice
S Gaseous hydrogen chloride is bubbled through a solution of sodium
hydroxide.
S Aqueous potassium hydroxide is mixed with a solution of acetic acid.
S Calcium hydrogen carbonate solid is added to an aqueous solution of
acetic acid.
S Aqueous nitric acid reacts with solid lithium sulfite.
S Sulfuric acid solution is added to solid aluminum oxide.
S Carbon dioxide gas is bubbled through aqueous sodium hydroxide.
Gaseous hydrogen chloride is bubbled
through a solution of sodium hydroxide.
Aqueous potassium hydroxide is mixed
with a solution of acetic acid.
Calcium hydrogen carbonate solid is added to
an aqueous solution of acetic acid.
Aqueous nitric acid reacts with solid
lithium sulfite.
Sulfuric acid solution is added to solid
aluminum oxide.
Carbon dioxide gas is bubbled through
aqueous sodium hydroxide.