how to write reaction with conjugate base?

Question

How do I write this reaction?

I know the conjugate base of H2CO3 is HCO3- but when I do H2CO3 + H2O it doesn't give me that conjugate base? How do I do this? I need to write the equation to find the mole fraction.

Answer 1

Hello, Lily,

The reaction I believe you are trying to capture involves the removal of a hydrogen from the H₂CO₃ (carbonic acid) according to this equilibrium reaction:

H₂CO₃ + H₂O = H₃O⁺ + HCO₃^-

The H₃O⁺ is known as the "hydronium" ion, and is often used in place of the lonely H⁺. It's actually where the hydrogen ion spends it's free time. The water molecules are attractive due to their bent hydrogen bonds and resulting polar nature.

Bob