How is it possible to account for the fact that NH3 is a weak base in water but a strong base in HCl? [closed]








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I understand that the solvents differ in their acidity but why does this affect the basicity of the solute?




The difference between a weak base and a strong base is that a strong base is completely converted to ions in a given solvent, whereas a weak base is not. Although this depends on the actual basicity of the solute, it is also very dependent on the solvent involved.


In water, $\ce{NH3}$ can react to form $\ce{NH4+}$ and $\ce{OH-}$. However, most of the ammonia remains as $\ce{NH3}$. This is due to the difference in p*K*as:1


$\ce{NH4+}$ = 9.2


$\ce{H2O}$ = 15.7


Because the ammonium ion is more acidic than neutral water, very little $\ce{NH4+}$ will be present at equilibrium.


In contrast, the relevant p*K*as for the $\ce{HCl}$ solution are:


$\ce{NH4+}$ = 9.2


$\ce{HCl}$ = -8


This tells us that $\ce{HCl}$ is much more acidic than the ammonium ion, and therefore essentially all of the ammonia will be protonated when dissolved in $\ce{HCl}$. As a result, it is considered a strong base in this case.


1[Evans' p*K*a tables](http://evans.rc.fas.harvard.edu/pdf/evans_pKa_table.pdf)


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I'm guessing because ammonium chloride $\ce{(NH4Cl)}$ is ionic and ammonium hydroxide $\ce{(NH4OH)}$ is not. You simply get more dissolution with the former.


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