Ionization Reactions

Question

Write the balanced 𝐾a and 𝐾b reactions for HSO−3HSO3− in water. Include physical states for each species.

𝐾a:

HSO−3(aq)+H2O(l)↽−−⇀H3O+(aq)+SO2−3(aq)HSO3−(aq)+H2O(l)↽−−⇀H3O+(aq)+SO32−(aq)

𝐾b: ?

Answer 1

For HSO₃^- acting as an acid:

HSO₃^-(aq) + H₂O(l) ==> H₃O⁺(aq) + SO₃^2-(aq)

Ka = [ H₃O⁺][SO₃^2-] / [HSO₃^-]

For HSO₃^- acting as a base:

HSO₃^-(aq) + H₂O(l) ==> H₂SO₃(aq) + OH^-(aq)

Kb = [H₂SO₃][OH^-] / [HSO₃^-]