Question

Among $C{O}_3^2,O{H}^{-},N{H}_3$ and $HC{O}_3^{-}$, the species that acts as a Bronsted acid as well as a Bronsted base, is

• A. $N{a}_{2}C{O}_3$
• B. $OH$
• C. $N{H}_3$,
• D. $HC{O}_3^{-}$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Bronsted acid is that species that can donate $H^{+}$ ions and Bronsted base is one that can accept $H^{+}$ ions.
Thus, the species that acts as a Bronsted acid as well as a Bronsted base is $N{H}_3$.
$N{H}_3+N{H}_3\rightleftharpoons N{H}_4^{+}+N{H}_2^{-}$
Such, species are known as amphoteric species.