Which of these compounds is not a base?
CsOH
NH4OH
Fe(OH)2
HBr
A very simple (some say too simple) definition of bases and acids is as follows:
Bases are compounds that donate OH- to a solution.
Acids are compounds that donate H+ to a solution.
So which of these compounds may act as an acid or a base.
Fe(OH)2
Well, if we're talking about compounds that are not bases, then we can eliminate CsOH, NH4OH, and Fe(OH)2 right away. So we're left with HBr.
HBr is like that friend who doesn't really want to help you move. They may seem basic at first, but they're actually pretty acidic. So HBr is definitely not a base. It's more like an "a-BRasive" compound.
To determine which of these compounds is not a base, we need to identify the compound that does not contain a hydroxide ion (OH-) or does not behave as a base in water.
Let's analyze each compound:
CsOH - This compound contains the hydroxide ion (OH-) and dissociates into Cs+ ions and OH- ions in water. It is a base.
NH4OH - This compound, also known as ammonium hydroxide, consists of the ammonium ion (NH4+) and the hydroxide ion (OH-). It dissociates in water and acts as a weak base.
Fe(OH)2 - This compound contains the hydroxide ion (OH-) and dissociates into Fe2+ ions and two OH- ions in water. It is a base.
HBr - This compound is hydrogen bromide, which is a binary acid composed of hydrogen and bromine. It does not contain the hydroxide ion (OH-) and is not a base.
Therefore, HBr is the compound that is not a base.