Chemistry
Explain why a solution of hydrogen chloride in water turns blue litmus red and conducts electricity, while a solution of the same gas in toluene
(i) has no effect on litmus, and
(ii) does not conduct electricity.
Answer
A solution of hydrogen chloride in water gives ions,
HCl + H2O ⟶ H3O+ + Cl-
These ions are responsible for conducting electricity and turning blue litmus red, due to the presence of hydronium [H3O+] ions which make aqueous solution of HCl acidic in nature.
Toluene is an organic solvent and HCl is a covalent compound. A solution of HCl in toluene contains only molecules and not ions due to which it does not conduct electricity. The absence of hydronium [H3O+] ions make the solution neutral and it does not effect litmus paper.
Related Questions
Explain why anhydrous HCl is a poor conductor while aqueous HCl is an excellent conductor.
Explain why when the stopper of a bottle full of hydrogen chloride gas is opened there are fumes in the air
Explain why thick white fumes are formed when a glass rod dipped in NH4OH is brought near the mouth of a bottle full of HCl gas.
Explain why dry hydrogen chloride gas does not affect a dry strip of blue litmus paper, but it turns red in the presence of a drop of water.