What is the conjugate acid of CO₃^-2?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The conjugate acid of CO₃^-2 is formed when it gains a proton (H+). This proton is added to the lone pair on the sulfur atom, giving it a positive charge. Thus, the conjugate acid will have the same atoms as the original molecule, but with an added hydrogen ion. The only option that meets this criteria is D: HCO₃^-. Option A has the correct number of sulfur and phosphorus atoms, but is missing the added hydrogen ion. Option B has added a hydrogen ion, but has changed the number of sulfur and phosphorus atoms. Option C has swapped the locations of the added hydrogen ion and the sulfur atom. Option E is not applicable as D is the correct answer.

What Is the Conjugate Acid of CO3-2

What Is the Conjugate Acid of CO₃^-2