Acids and Alkalis

Acids and Alkalis

Arrhenius's theory was that when mixed with water, all acids released hydrogen ions, H+ e.g.

HCl (g) + water -------> H+ (aq) + Cl- (aq)

He also said that alkalis form hydroxide ions, OH-, in water, e.g.

Ammonia: NH3 (g) + H2O (l) -------> NH4+ (aq) + OH- (aq)

This worked well, but only for acids and bases that dissolved in water, however ammonia can react as a base even when it isn't dissolved in water - exception

When Arrhenius first suggested that molecules ionise in water, many scietntists didn't believe it was possible…