Aqueous solutions of salts can have a basic or acidic character, depending on the form in which they were obtained. See, through saline hydrolysis, how acidity and basicity influence the final product of a reaction:
Salt hydrolysis of strong acid and weak base
The reaction between a salt and water can produce a strong acid and a weak base as products, see example:
The aqueous saline solution of Ammonium Nitrate (NH4AT THE3) has a pH less than 7, follow its obtaining process:
NH4AT THE3 (aq) + H2O (l) ↔ NH4OH (aq) +HNO3 (here)
Strong acid weak base
Salt hydrolysis (NH4AT THE3) gives rise to an acidic solution, due to the presence of nitric acid (HNO3).
Saline hydrolysis of weak acid and weak base
NH4CN (aq) + HOH (l) ↔ NH4OH(aq) + HCN(aq)
Weak base weak acid
The equation above represents the dissociation of the ammonium cyanide salt (NH4CN). During the reaction a weak base and acid are formed. Both the base and the acid are not ionizable, that is, they do not undergo ionization, hence the reason for the classification.
Salt hydrolysis of strong acid and strong base
NaCl (aq) + HOH (l) ↔ NaOH (aq) +HCl (aq)
strong strong acid base
The aqueous solution of the NaCl salt (sodium chloride) has a neutral character (pH = 7). During the reversible reaction represented above, we have the formation of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl), both classified as being strong.
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By Líria Alves
Graduated in Chemistry
Brazil School Team
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saline hydrolysis – see how to get weak acid and strong base.
Solutions - Physicochemical - Chemistry - Brazil School
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SOUZA, Líria Alves de. "Aqueous solution of salts"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/solucao-aquosa-sais.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.
