Cl-

Definition

Cl- is the chemical symbol for the chloride ion, a negatively charged species formed when the element chlorine (Cl) gains an electron. The chloride ion is an important component in the Brønsted-Lowry definition of acids and bases, as it can act as both a base (proton acceptor) and a conjugate base (the species formed when an acid loses a proton).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The chloride ion, Cl-, can act as a Brønsted-Lowry base by accepting a proton (H+) to form the conjugate acid, HCl (hydrochloric acid).
2. When HCl (a strong acid) dissociates in water, it donates a proton to water, forming the hydronium ion (H3O+) and the chloride ion (Cl-) as the conjugate base.
3. The strength of a Brønsted-Lowry base is determined by its ability to accept protons, which is inversely related to the strength of its conjugate acid.
4. Chloride ions (Cl-) are found in many common acids and bases, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), sodium chloride (NaCl), and ammonium chloride (NH4Cl).
5. The chloride ion is an important electrolyte in the body, playing a role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve impulse transmission, and acid-base balance.

Review Questions

• Explain how the chloride ion, Cl-, can act as a Brønsted-Lowry base.
  • The chloride ion, Cl-, can act as a Brønsted-Lowry base by accepting a proton (H+) from an acid, forming the conjugate acid-base pair of HCl (hydrochloric acid) and Cl-. This occurs when an acid, such as HCl, dissociates in water, donating a proton to water and forming the hydronium ion (H3O+) and the chloride ion (Cl-) as the conjugate base.
• Describe the relationship between the strength of a Brønsted-Lowry base and the strength of its conjugate acid.
  • The strength of a Brønsted-Lowry base is inversely related to the strength of its conjugate acid. Stronger bases have weaker conjugate acids, and vice versa. This is because a stronger base is better able to accept protons, which means its conjugate acid is less able to donate protons. Conversely, a weaker base has a stronger conjugate acid, as the acid is more willing to donate protons. This relationship is a fundamental principle in the Brønsted-Lowry definition of acids and bases.
• Analyze the role of the chloride ion (Cl-) in maintaining physiological balance within the human body.
  • The chloride ion (Cl-) plays a crucial role in maintaining various physiological processes in the human body. As an important electrolyte, Cl- helps regulate fluid balance, nerve impulse transmission, and acid-base balance. Cl- is involved in the exchange of ions across cell membranes, contributing to the maintenance of proper osmotic pressure and the transmission of electrical signals. Additionally, Cl- participates in the production of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach, which aids in digestion and helps regulate the body's pH. The careful regulation of Cl- levels is essential for overall health and homeostasis within the human body.

Related terms

Brønsted-Lowry Acid: A Brønsted-Lowry acid is a substance that can donate a proton (H+) to another substance, acting as a proton donor.

Brønsted-Lowry Base: A Brønsted-Lowry base is a substance that can accept a proton (H+) from another substance, acting as a proton acceptor.

Conjugate Acid-Base Pair:

A conjugate acid-base pair consists of an acid and its corresponding base, or a base and its corresponding acid, formed by the loss or gain of a single proton.