JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3sb012
Liquid ammonia undergoes autoionisation. Which option gives the ions formed and the strongest base that can persist in liquid ammonia?
ANHX4X+ and NHX2X−; the strongest base is NHX2X−
BNHX4X+ and NHX2X−; the strongest base is OHX−
CHX+ and NHX2X−; the strongest base is HX−
DNHX3X+ and NHX−; the strongest base is NHX−
Answer: A
The autoionisation is 2NHX3NHX4X++NHX2X−. The amide ion is the conjugate base of the solvent, so any base stronger than NHX2X− (such as OHX− or HX−) would deprotonate NHX3 and be levelled to NHX2X−. Hence NHX2X− is the strongest base present.