Identifying Bronsted Acids and Bases fundamental J.1

[Bailey Wallace 3A]

Hi! How can we can if a compound is either a Bronsted acid or base by looking at it? Do we have to draw out a reaction or what is the best way to do this? For example, in fundamentals J.1, it asks us to identify NH3, HBr, KOH, H2SO3, and Ca(OH)2.

[Katie Shi 1F]

First, I will usually try to see if the compound is a strong acid or base I already know:
- the 7 strong acids are HBr, HI, HCl, H2SO4, HNO3, HClO3, and HClO4 (can be memorized using the mnemonic Briclsonoclo)
- strong bases include hydroxides of group 1 and 2
If not I will try to imagine what the conjugate base and acid of that compound would be, by adding or taking away an H, and which one would make the most sense.