In the reaction between hydrogen selenide (H2Se) and water, H2Se acts as the acid, while water (H2O) functions as the base. This is because H2Se donates a proton (H+) to water, forming the conjugate base, selenide ion (SeH−), and the conjugate acid, hydronium ion (H3O+). The periodic table indicates that hydrogen selenide contains selenium, which is a Group 16 element, similar to sulfur, known for being a weak acid. It can donate protons, thus functioning as an acid. Water, on the other hand, is amphiprotic, capable of both donating a proton and accepting a proton, which makes it a suitable base in this reaction context. The ability to donate and accept protons is influenced by the structure of these molecules and the electronegativity differences between the constituent atoms, which guide their behavior in acid-base chemistry.
Hydrogen selenide (H2Se) reacts with water according to the following equation. H2Se+H2O→SeH−+H3O+
In one paragraph, identify the acid, base, conjugate acid, and conjugate base in this reaction. Use the periodic table to explain why each substance acted as the acid or the base in this reaction.
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