Conjugate bases

[705913589]

Hi, how do we write Conjugate bases? For HCO3- would we get rid of the negative? can you please explain the steps of solving this thank you!

[Kyle_Phong_2J]

The conjugate base loses the H+ ion, so it would be (CO3)2- for your example.

[Ariana 1D]

You have to remove a proton so the conjugate base of HCO₃⁻ is CO₃²⁻.

[Ari_St_Jacques_3H]

The loss of an H would in fact make the molecule more negative (think of it as losing an H+), so then the charge would become 2-. Conjugate bases will force the molecule to act as an acid, losing its H+, conjugate acids will force the molecule to act as a base, gaining an H+.