Ionization reactions

Question

Write the chemical reaction for chlorous acid in water, whose equilibrium constant is 𝐾a. Include the physical states for each species.



𝐾a reaction:

Write the chemical reaction for the chlorite ion in water, whose equilibrium constant is 𝐾b. Include the physical states for each species.

𝐾b reaction:

Answer 1

Chlorous acid = HClO₂

HClO₂(aq) + H₂O(l) ==> H₃O⁺(aq) + ClO₂^-(aq)

Ka = [H³O⁺][ClO₂^-] / [HClO₂]

ClO₂^-(aq) + H₂O(l) ==> HClO₂(aq) + OH^-(aq) .. hydrolysis of chlorite ion

Kb = [HClO₂][OH^-] / [ClO₂^-]