HCN is mixed with water. Which is the best
description of what you would expect to find
in the solution?
1. CN+, OH−, and water molecules
2. HCN molecules and water molecules
3. H2CN+, OH−, and water molecules
4. HCN molecules, H3O+, CN1−, and water
molecules
5. H3O+, CN−, and water molecules
6. CN−, OH−, and water molecules
The best description of what you would expect to find in the solution when HCN is mixed with water is option 5: H3O+, CN−, and water molecules.
In order to determine the best description of what you would expect to find in a solution of HCN mixed with water, we need to understand the nature of HCN and its behavior when dissolved in water.
HCN is a weak acid that can dissociate partially in water. When HCN is mixed with water, it donates a hydrogen ion (H+) to water and forms hydronium ions (H3O+), while the remaining part of the molecule, the cyanide ion (CN-), remains bound. This reaction can be represented as:
HCN + H2O → H3O+ + CN-
Therefore, in a solution of HCN mixed with water, the expected components are HCN molecules that are not fully ionized, alongside hydronium ions (H3O+), cyanide ions (CN-), and water molecules.
Based on this explanation, the best description of what you would expect to find in the solution is option 4: HCN molecules, H3O+, CN-, and water molecules.
The CN^- hydrolyzes because it is a stronger base than H2O.
CN^- + HOH ==> HCN + OH^-
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