Anions are unionized bases.

Anions are unionized bases.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Both
• D. Neither

Answer: (A)

In Bronsted-Lowry acid-base chemistry, a base is defined as a substance that accepts a proton. Anions, being negatively charged species with available electron density, readily accept protons to form their conjugate acids. This is why many common bases in solution are anions: for example, hydroxide accepts a proton to become water; acetate accepts a proton to form acetic acid; bicarbonate accepts a proton to form carbonic acid. Although there are neutral bases as well (like ammonia), anions can and often do function as bases in acid-base reactions. Therefore, the statement is true.

In Bronsted-Lowry acid-base chemistry, a base is defined as a substance that accepts a proton. Anions, being negatively charged species with available electron density, readily accept protons to form their conjugate acids. This is why many common bases in solution are anions: for example, hydroxide accepts a proton to become water; acetate accepts a proton to form acetic acid; bicarbonate accepts a proton to form carbonic acid. Although there are neutral bases as well (like ammonia), anions can and often do function as bases in acid-base reactions. Therefore, the statement is true.