Which one is the strongest conjugate base:
Correct answer: B. Hydroxyl ion
- A. Sulphate ion
- B. Hydroxyl ion
- C. Per chlorate ion
- D. Iodide ion
Explanation
The hydroxyl ion (OH-) is a strong conjugate base. It readily accepts a proton (H+) to form water (H2O). Its strong basicity is due to the presence of a lone pair of electrons on the oxygen atom, which can easily accept a proton. So, when it comes to conjugate bases, the hydroxyl ion is a strong one.
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About Bronsted-Lowry and Lewis Concepts
The Brønsted-Lowry concept defines acids as proton donors and bases as proton acceptors, producing conjugate acid-base pairs. The Lewis concept extends the idea to electron-pair acceptors and donors, so compounds such as BF3 and NH3 can be treated as acid and base even without proton transfer, unlike the Arrhenius definition.
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