Monoprotic Acid
| Formula / Notation | Monoprotic acid: 1 ionisable H⁺; Ka = [H⁺][A⁻]/[HA] |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Monobasic acid, single-proton acid, monoprotic acid, monobasic |
What is Monoprotic Acid?
An acid that can donate only one proton (H⁺) per molecule in an acid-base reaction. Examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl), nitric acid (HNO₃), and acetic acid (CH₃COOH). Monoprotic acids have only one Ka value.
Formula & Notation
Other Names / Synonyms: Monobasic acid, single-proton acid, monoprotic acid, monobasic
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
An acid that can donate only one proton (H⁺) per molecule in an acid-base reaction. Examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl), nitric acid (HNO₃), and acetic acid (CH₃COOH). Monoprotic acids have only one Ka value.
Monoprotic acid chemistry is the foundation of acid-base calculations: pH of buffer solutions (Henderson-Hasselbalch), titration curves, Ka determinations by potentiometry, and preparation of monoprotic acid calibration standards for pH meters.
All monoprotic acids, whether strong or weak, require appropriate PPE. HCN (Ka = 6.2 × 10⁻¹⁰) is a weak acid but acutely lethal because of CN⁻ toxicity, not acidity. Acid strength (Ka) does not correlate with toxicity — always assess chemical hazard independently from acid strength.
The formula or notation for Monoprotic Acid is: Monoprotic acid: 1 ionisable H⁺; Ka = [H⁺][A⁻]/[HA]