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Indian Forest Service (Mains)

Chemistry optional

  • 2 papers
  • 200 marks each
  • 3 h per paper

Paper I covers physical and inorganic chemistry.

Indian Forest Service (Mains), Chemistry optional · 2021 · Paper I

Q5(e). Acids behaving as bases in sulfuric acid

Question

Acetic acid is a weak acid in aqueous solution and nitric acid a strong acid, but both behave as bases in sulphuric acid. Why?

Answer in brief

Acid–base behaviour is relative to the solvent; sulfuric acid is a stronger proton donor and protonates both acetic and nitric acids.

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Topic notes: non-aqueous solvents: liquid ammonia, HF, sulfuric acid, SO₂, BrF₃ and superacids, with every Civil Services, IFoS and Geo-Scientist PYQ →

Coverssulfuric acid as solventnon-aqueous solventslevelling effectnitronium ionBrønsted base

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