Balanced Reaction Equation

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 30 views

Balanced Reaction Equation and Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs of Chlorous Acid

Introduction

Chlorous acid, also known as hypochlorous acid, is a weak acid that plays a crucial role in various chemical reactions. In this article, we will explore the balanced reaction equation of chlorous acid reacting with water in an acid-base reaction and identify all conjugate acid-base pairs.

Balanced Reaction Equation

The balanced reaction equation of chlorous acid reacting with water is:

HClO2 (aq) + H2O (l) ⇌ H3O+ (aq) + ClO2- (aq)

In this equation, chlorous acid (HClO2) reacts with water (H2O) to form hydronium ion (H3O+) and chlorite ion (ClO2-).

Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs

A conjugate acid-base pair is a pair of species that differ by one proton (H+). In the balanced reaction equation above, we can identify the following conjugate acid-base pairs:

HClO2 (aq) and HClO2+ (aq): Chlorous acid (HClO2) is the conjugate base of its conjugate acid, HClO2+.
H2O (l) and H3O+ (aq): Water (H2O) is the conjugate base of hydronium ion (H3O+).
H3O+ (aq) and H2O (l): Hydronium ion (H3O+) is the conjugate acid of water (H2O).
ClO2- (aq) and HClO2 (aq): Chlorite ion (ClO2-) is the conjugate base of chlorous acid (HClO2).

Discussion

In the balanced reaction equation above, chlorous acid (HClO2) reacts with water (H2O) to form hydronium ion (H3O+) and chlorite ion (ClO2-). This reaction is an example of an acid-base reaction, where a weak acid (HClO2) reacts with a strong base (H2O) to form a conjugate acid-base pair.

The conjugate acid-base pairs identified above are:

HClO2 (aq) and HClO2+ (aq)
H2O (l) and H3O+ (aq)
H3O+ (aq) and H2O (l)
ClO2- (aq) and HClO2 (aq)

These conjugate acid-base pairs are important in understanding the behavior of chlorous acid in various chemical reactions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the balanced reaction equation of chlorous acid reacting with water is:

HClO2 (aq) + H2O (l) ⇌ H3O+ (aq) + ClO2- (aq)

The conjugate acid-base pairs identified in this reaction are:

HClO2 (aq) and HClO2+ (aq)
H2O (l) and H3O+ (aq)
H3O+ (aq) and H2O (l)
ClO2- (aq) and HClO2 (aq)

This reaction is an example of an acid-base reaction, where a weak acid (HClO2) reacts with a strong base (H2O) to form a conjugate acid-base pair.

References

Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2010). Physical chemistry. Oxford University Press.
Brown, T. E., & LeMay, H. E. (2012). Chemistry: The Central Science. Pearson Education.
Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., & Herring, F. G. (2016). General chemistry: Principles and modern applications. Pearson Education.

Introduction

Chlorous acid, also known as hypochlorous acid, is a weak acid that plays a crucial role in various chemical reactions. In our previous article, we explored the balanced reaction equation of chlorous acid reacting with water and identified all conjugate acid-base pairs. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about chlorous acid and acid-base reactions.

Q&A

Q: What is chlorous acid?

A: Chlorous acid, also known as hypochlorous acid, is a weak acid with the chemical formula HClO2. It is a colorless, corrosive liquid that is highly soluble in water.

Q: What is the balanced reaction equation of chlorous acid reacting with water?

A: The balanced reaction equation of chlorous acid reacting with water is:

HClO2 (aq) + H2O (l) ⇌ H3O+ (aq) + ClO2- (aq)

Q: What are the conjugate acid-base pairs in the balanced reaction equation?

A: The conjugate acid-base pairs in the balanced reaction equation are:

HClO2 (aq) and HClO2+ (aq)
H2O (l) and H3O+ (aq)
H3O+ (aq) and H2O (l)
ClO2- (aq) and HClO2 (aq)

Q: What is the pH of a solution of chlorous acid?

A: The pH of a solution of chlorous acid depends on the concentration of the acid. However, in general, the pH of a solution of chlorous acid is acidic, ranging from 2 to 4.

Q: Is chlorous acid a strong or weak acid?

A: Chlorous acid is a weak acid. It does not completely dissociate in water, and its acid dissociation constant (Ka) is relatively low.

Q: What are some common applications of chlorous acid?

A: Chlorous acid has several common applications, including:

Disinfection and sterilization
Water treatment
Pesticide and herbicide production
Pharmaceutical applications

Q: Is chlorous acid safe to handle?

A: Chlorous acid is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns and eye damage. It should be handled with caution and in a well-ventilated area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, chlorous acid is a weak acid that plays a crucial role in various chemical reactions. Its balanced reaction equation with water is:

HClO2 (aq) + H2O (l) ⇌ H3O+ (aq) + ClO2- (aq)

The conjugate acid-base pairs in this reaction are:

HClO2 (aq) and HClO2+ (aq)
H2O (l) and H3O+ (aq)
H3O+ (aq) and H2O (l)
ClO2- (aq) and HClO2 (aq)

Chlorous acid has several common applications, including disinfection and sterilization, water treatment, pesticide and herbicide production, and pharmaceutical applications. However, it is highly corrosive and should be handled with caution.

References

Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2010). Physical chemistry. Oxford University Press.
Brown, T. E., & LeMay, H. E. (2012). Chemistry: The Central Science. Pearson Education.
Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., & Herring, F. G. (2016). General chemistry: Principles and modern applications. Pearson Education.