Acid Base Reactions and Acids/Bases in the Home

Acid-Base Reactions A neutralization reaction is the reaction between an acid and a base. Neutralization is a reaction between ions.

Acid-Base reactions Strong acids ionize completely. HCl + H 2 O  H 3 O + + Cl -

Acid-Base reactions Strong bases ionize completely. NaOH  Na + + OH -

Acid-Base reactions If the two solutions are mixed together, the following neutralization reaction takes place. H 3 O + + Cl - + Na + + OH -  Na + + Cl - + 2H 2 O The Na + and Cl - ions are called spectator ions because they are like spectators watching on the sidelines.

Acid-Base reactions These ions do NOT change during the reaction. If a strong acid and strong base are mixed, all of the hydronium and hydroxide ions react to form water. So, the resulting solution is neutral.

Acid-Base reactions Strong acids and bases react to form water and a salt. If the salt is soluble, the ions stay separated in the solution.

Acid-Base reactions Neutral solutions are not always formed. The pH of the final solution depends on the amounts of acid and base that are combined and on the strength of the acid and base. If a strong acid reacts with an equal amount of a weak base, the solution will be acidic. If a strong base reacts with an equal amount of a weak acid, the solution will be basic.

Titrations Titrations are used to determine concentration. A titration is the process of adding carefully measured amounts of one solution to another solution. Bromothymol blue is an indicator that changes from yellow to blue between a pH of 6.0 and 7.6.

Salts A salt can be almost any combination of cations and anions, except hydroxides and oxides, which are bases. We use a variety of salts for cleaning, highway de-icing, ceramic glazes, home water softeners, fire extinguishers, chalk, walls in your home. Salts are rarely manufactured by neutralization reactions, and are found in underground deposits.

Salts A healthy diet should include potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, and iodine. We get ions of these elements through minerals. Minerals contain the salts of elements that are needed by your body.

In The Home Many items in your own home, such as soaps, detergents, shampoos, antacids, vitamins, sodas, and juices are examples of household products that contain acids, bases, and salts.

Cleaning Products Water does not mix with grease or oil. Cleaning products only improve water’s ability to clean because they help water mix with oily substances. Soap improves water’s ability to clean because soap can dissolve in both oil and in water. This allows oil and water to form an emulsion that can be washed away by rinsing.

Cleaning Products Soaps are salts of sodium or potassium and fatty acids, which have long hydrocarbon chains. The hydrocarbon chains are nonpolar, so they can mix with the oils. The ionic parts of the soap molecules can mix with water.

Cleaning Products Detergents act in the same way as soaps. However, the charged end of the hydrocarbon chain is a sulfonate group in detergents, and a carboxylate group in soaps. Soap scum – insoluble salt formed from ions of hard water and soap.

Cleaning Products Ammonia solutions are good cleaners. (Basic) A disinfectant is a substance the kills viruses and bacteria. Household bleach, a very strong disinfectant, is a basic solution of sodium hypochlorite, NaOCl.

Personal Care and Food Products Many of the clothes in your closet get their colors from acidic dyes. Many healthcare, beauty, and food products in your home, in addition to cleaners, contain acids, bases, or salts.

Personal Care and Food Products Vitamin C is ascorbic acid. Antacids are basic substances that you swallow to neutralize stomach acid when you have an upset stomach. Shampoos are adjusted for an ideal pH. Hair looks best when it is kept at either a slightly acidic pH or very close to neutral.

Personal Care and Food Products Acids can be used as antioxidants. Acids can be used as marinades because the acids break down the protein molecules in the meat. Baking soda is a salt used in baking.