Question

Bicarbonate Ion: Acid or Base?

I know that the Bicarbonate ion HCO3- can be a base and accept a H+ to become carbonic acid, but can it lose the H+ it already has and become CO3-, in which act like an acid?

Answer 1

The bicarbonate ion is amphiprotic, meaning it can react as an acid or a base

Explanation:

`HCO_3^(- )+H_2O->H_2CO_3+OH^-`

`HCO_3^(-)+H_2O-> CO_3^(-2)+H_3O^+`

Answer 2

Well, it's both mate....

Explanation:

In acidic solution bicarbonate ion would act as a proton acceptor...

`HCO_3^(-) + H_3O^+ rarr CO_2(g)uarr+ 2H_2O(l)`

In basic solution bicarbonate ion would act as a proton donor...

`HCO_3^(-) + HO^(-) rarr CO_3^(2-)+ H_2O(l)`