Identifying acids and bases

[Maritza Jacobo]

Hey, I was wondering how I would be able to identify acids and bases just by looking at their structure. Thank you!

[Evangelina_0ca]

Hello,

Identifying acids:

1. Hydrogen atoms attached to electronegative atom- acids often have hydrogen atoms directly bonded to highly electronegative atoms such O,F,N
2. Presence of O-H Bond - Many acids contain an O-H bond (indication of a potential for a proton donation)

Identifying bases:
1. Lone pair of Electrons - bass often have atoms with lone pairs of electrons
2. NH3 and NHR2 groups - compounds with these can act as bases by donating a on pair of electrons
3. Metal hydroxides - substances containing metal hydroxides are bases!!!

Hope this helps!

[Maddy Barron 1L]

H!

I would like to add that -OH typically indicates that the molecule is a strong base. Additionally, many weak bases will have a N atom with a lone pair.