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  • Hydroxide as a Base in Liquid Ammonia: Chemical Equation & Explanation
    In liquid ammonia, the reaction of hydroxide ion (OH⁻) with ammonia (NH₃) demonstrates its basic nature. Here's the chemical equation:

    OH⁻ (l) + NH₃ (l) ⇌ NH₂⁻ (l) + H₂O (l)

    Explanation:

    * OH⁻ (l): Hydroxide ion in liquid ammonia.

    * NH₃ (l): Liquid ammonia, acting as a solvent and a weak acid.

    * NH₂⁻ (l): Amide ion, the conjugate base of ammonia, formed by the removal of a proton (H⁺).

    * H₂O (l): Water, formed by the combination of the proton removed from ammonia and the hydroxide ion.

    Mechanism:

    Hydroxide ion, being a strong base in liquid ammonia, readily accepts a proton from ammonia. This results in the formation of the amide ion (NH₂⁻), a stronger base than ammonia, and water. This reaction highlights the Brønsted-Lowry definition of acids and bases, where a base accepts a proton.

    Note: This reaction lies heavily to the right, indicating that the hydroxide ion is a strong base in liquid ammonia and readily reacts to form the amide ion.

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