MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #5414

Orthoboric acid behaves as a weak monobasic acid in aqueous solution. Which step correctly describes the mechanism of its acidity when it interacts with water?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #5414

  1. Question 1

    Q1. Orthoboric acid behaves as a weak monobasic acid in aqueous solution. Which step correctly describes the mechanism of its acidity when it interacts with water?

    • A) It donates a proton to the water molecule
    • B) It accepts a hydroxyl ion from water
    • C) It dimerizes to form tetraboric acid
    • D) It reacts with dissolved oxygen in water

    Answer: It accepts a hydroxyl ion from water

    Explanation: Boric acid accepts OH- from water instead of donating H+, making it a Lewis acid; H3BO3 does not dissociate its own protons directly.