Can you mix an acid and a base?

The simplest answer to the question posed in the title is: yes. Mixtures of acids and bases give rise to some of the most common chemical reactions. However, there are different combinations and therefore different products are obtained depending on the components used.

what is an acid

The word “acid” derives from the Latin term acidus which means “sour”. An acid is a substance that in an aqueous solution supplies hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) and has a pH value less than 7.

Acids are corrosive and can cause irritation or burns on contact with the skin. In aqueous solutions they are good conductors of electricity. Depending on the temperature, acids can appear in a solid, liquid or gaseous state. When mixed with some metals, they form salt and hydrogen. When combined with bases or metal oxides, they produce salt and water. Some examples of common acids are:

• Acetic acid (CH ₃ COOH).
• Sulfuric acid (H ₂ SO ₄ ).
• Citric acid (C ₆ H ₈ O ₇ ).
• Ascorbic acid (C ₆ H ₈ O ₆ ).
• Hydrochloric acid (HCl).

what is a foundation

Bases are substances that, in an aqueous solution, release hydroxyl ions (OH ^– ). Bases have alkaline properties, that is, they have a pH greater than 7 and can neutralize acids. They are also known as “alkalis”, which in turn, is a term that comes from the Arabic alqaly which means “ash”.

They are characterized by having a bitter taste and a soapy consistency to the touch. They can also be irritating. Depending on the temperature, the bases can be found in liquid, solid or gaseous form. They are electrically conductive in aqueous solutions and corrosive to some metals.

When mixed with acids, bases produce salt and water. Some common examples of bases are:

• Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ₃ ) .
• Ammonia (NH ₃ ).
• Caustic soda (NaOH).
• Sodium hypochlorite (NaCIO).
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH).

What happens when you mix an acid and a base

When an acid and a base mix, a reaction occurs known as neutralization . However, depending on the proportions and the characteristics of the compounds that are mixed, different products can be obtained. In equal amounts, since acids and bases neutralize each other, their mixing usually results in salt and water.

Depending on the substances being mixed and their proportions, other products may also be formed, such as the following:

• Acid solution : if a strong acid and a weak base are mixed or if the mixture includes a greater amount of acid than base. During this reaction not all of the acid is neutralized, and therefore the result will be salt, water, and acid. Due to this, the solution will be acidic, since it will have a pH less than 7.
• Basic solution : if a weak acid is mixed with a strong base or a greater quantity of the basic substance than acid, salt, water and a base remainder are obtained as a result, so the solution will be basic or alkaline and its pH will be greater than 7.
• Neutralization – This occurs when equal amounts of a strong acid and a weak base are mixed together. Something similar also happens when both components are a weak acid and a weak base. In these cases, only water and salt are usually obtained.
• Gases – When you mix a weak acid and a weak base, you can get carbon dioxide and other flammable gases.

Examples of mixtures of acids and bases

Some examples of acids and bases are:

• Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and caustic soda, which is a strong base known as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). From this mixture sodium chloride is obtained, commonly known as common salt or table salt.
• Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ₃ ), which is a weak base, and acetic acid (CH ₃ COOH), which is a weak acid in vinegar. Carbon dioxide can be obtained from this mixture.
• Hydrogen bromide or hydrobromic acid and potassium hydroxide. This mixture produces salt and water.
• Hydrochloric acid and ammonia (NH ₃ ). These compounds form ammonium chloride (NH ₄ Cl), which is a salt.

Bibliography

• Donelly, B. Organic Chemistry . (2020, audiobook). Audible. Northern Press.
• Rodríguez Morales, M. Organic Chemical Formulation and Nomenclature . (2014). Spain. Oxford University Press Spain.
• Moreno Rodríguez, JA; Moreno Rdz, A.; Moreno Rdz, LA Chemistry in Action . General Chemistry Experiments . (2018). Spain. Spanish Academic Editorial.