Using chemical equations, show how the triprotic acid H3PO4 ionizes in water. Phases, such as (l) or (aq), are optional.

1 answer

1. H3PO4 (aq) + H2O (l) ⇌ H2PO4⁻ (aq) + H3O⁺ (aq)
2. H2PO4⁻ (aq) + H2O (l) ⇌ HPO4²⁻ (aq) + H3O⁺ (aq)
3. HPO4²⁻ (aq) + H2O (l) ⇌ PO4³⁻ (aq) + H3O⁺ (aq)