Question Type: Chemical Reasoning (Hydrolysis)
Step-by-Step Solution:
Hydrolysis is the reaction of a salt with water to produce an acidic or basic solution. The acidity or basicity depends on the strength of the acid and base from which the salt is derived.
- Option 1: NH4CH3COO: This salt is formed from a weak acid (CH3COOH) and a weak base (NH4OH). The solution will be slightly acidic or basic depending on the Ka and Kb values of the acid and base respectively. It is close to neutral.
- Option 2: NH4Cl: This salt is formed from a weak base (NH4OH) and a strong acid (HCl). The ammonium ion (NH4+) will hydrolyze, producing H+ ions, resulting in a slightly acidic solution.
- Option 3: Na2CO3: This salt is formed from a strong base (NaOH) and a weak acid (H2CO3). The carbonate ion (CO32-) will hydrolyze, producing OH- ions, resulting in a slightly basic solution.
- Option 4: CH3COONa: This salt is formed from a weak acid (CH3COOH) and a strong base (NaOH). The acetate ion (CH3COO-) will hydrolyze, producing OH- ions, resulting in a slightly basic solution.
Core Logic/Pattern: The key is understanding which ions hydrolyze and whether they produce H+ or OH- ions.
Eliminating Incorrect Options: Options 1, 3, and 4 produce either neutral or basic solutions due to the hydrolysis of their constituent ions. Only NH4Cl results in a slightly acidic solution due to the hydrolysis of the ammonium ion.
Correct Answer: NH4Cl
Important Questions from Acids, Bases & Salts
When a large amount of carbon dioxide dissolves in a water body, the water becomes acidic because of the formation of which of the following acids?
Which one of the following oxides is a neutral oxide?
- Which of the following foods would you advise to neutralise excess stomach acids?
- What is the primary contributor to the sour taste in foods like lemons, vinegar and yoghurt?
- Which of the following is a common component in toothpaste, for cleaning the teeth by neutralising the excess acid to prevent tooth decay?
