What is the conjugate base of NH3?

1 Answer
Dec 7, 2015

The amide ion, #NH_2^-#.

Explanation:

The conjugate base of any species is that species less a proton. Ammonia less a proton is the amide ion, #NH_2^-#. Mass and charge are conserved as always. This species does NOT exist in water, but it is the characteristic anion in liquid ammonia, a water like solvent that will support more powerful bases than does water. The amide ion also has a conjugate base, called the imide ion. Care to tell me what it is? The imide ion itself has another conjugate base, called the azide ion. What is it?

See also here.