Ionizable hydrogens. Determination of ionizable hydrogens

The study of the strength of a acid is very important for determining the ability of the acidic solution to conduct electrical current, as this relates to the amount of ions that this substance produces when in contact with water (ionization). When an acid is too strong, it produces too many hydronium cations (H₃O⁺) and many anions (X^-). See the hydrobromic acid ionization equation:

HBr + H₂O → H₃O⁺ + Br^-

When ionizing, the hydrogen present in the acid molecule interacts with the water molecule and forms hydronium. But for this event to happen, the hydrogen atom must necessarily be ionizable. Ionizable hydrogen is that capable of forming a hydronium cation.. To find out if a hydrogen is ionizable, we take into account the classification of the acid as hydracid (has no oxygen in its composition) or oxyacid (has oxygen in its composition).

a) Hidracids

All hydrogen in a hydracid is considered ionizable.

Examples:

- HCl: An ionizable hydrogen, thus producing a hydronium;

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- H₂S: Two ionizable hydrogens, then produce two hydrons

b) Oxyacid

In an oxyacid, only hydrogen that is bonded to an oxygen atom in the molecule is considered ionizable. For this, it is necessary to build its structural formula. See some examples:

• H₃DUST₄ (phosphoric acid)

Structural formula of phosphoric acid

We can see that, in the structure of phosphoric acid, there are three hydrogens bonded to oxygen, so there are three ionizable hydrogens. The ionization equation will be:

H₃DUST₄ + 3 H₂O → 3 H₃O⁺ + PO₄^-3

• H₂ONLY₄ (sulfuric acid)

Structural formula of sulfuric acid

We can see that, in the structure of sulfuric acid, there are two hydrogens bonded to oxygen, so there are two ionizable hydrogens. The ionization equation will be:

H₂ONLY₄ + 2 H₂O → 2 H₃O⁺ + OS₄^-2

By Me. Diogo Lopes Dias

Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:

DAYS, Diogo Lopes. "Ionizable Hydrogens"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/hidrogenios-ionizaveis.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.