What is conjugate acid and base pair? Explain with examples
First, let us define acid and base. According to the definition,
- An acid is any hydrogen atom-containing material ( molecule or ion) that can release a proton or hydrogen ion to any other substance. Acid is a substance that ionizes in water to give H+ ions
- A base is any substance (molecules or ions) that can accept a proton to any other substance. A base is a substance that ionizes in water to give OH– ions.
Conjugate pairs
The members of which can be formed from each other mutually by the gain or loss of protons are called conjugate acids and bases pairs. The stronger acid and weaker base form one conjugate pair and the stronger base and weaker acid form another pair.
- A conjugate acid comprises one more H atom and +charge than the base that formed it.
- A conjugate base comprises one less H atom and one more negative charge than the acid-forming it.
- The conjugates will always be listed on the product side of the reaction.
- Strong acid forms a weak conjugate base and vice versa.
Some common examples of conjugate acid-base pairs are,
HClO4 ⇆ H+ + ClO4–
H2SO4 ⇆ H+ + HSO4–
HCl ⇆ H+ + Cl–
HNO3 ⇆ H+ + NO3–