Which factor primarily determines the basicity of a compound?

JAMB Chemistry 2023 84 views

Which factor primarily determines the basicity of a compound?

  1. Electronegativity of the atoms involved
  2. Molecular weight of the compound
  3. Number of lone pairs of electrons on the atom ✓
  4. Number of carbon atoms in the compound

Explanation

Bases work by donating lone pairs of electrons to form bonds with hydrogen ions. More available lone pairs make a compound more basic.

Atoms like nitrogen and oxygen with lone pairs can accept protons, making their compounds basic. The lone pairs act as the site where acid-base reactions occur.

Ammonia is basic because nitrogen has a lone pair available to bond with hydrogen ions. Compounds without lone pairs cannot act as bases in typical acid-base reactions.

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