Isocyanic acid, also known as Hydrogen cyanate, is a weak acid and a potentially toxic atmospheric pollutant. Write down the equation for the dissociation of isocyanic acid in water. Explain the term conjugate base and state the correct conjugate base of isocyanic acid. Give a reason for your answer.
...............H2O + HOCN ==> H3O^+ + OCN^-
................base....acid.........acid.............base
H3O^+ is the conjugate acid of H2O (the base in the reaction).
OCN^- is the conjugae base of HOCN (the acid in the reaction).
Water is the base because it is RECEIVING a H^+.
HOCN is the acid because it is DONATING a H^+.
It should be obvious that H3O^+ is the conjugate acid of its base and that
OCN^- is the conjugate base of the acid HOCN.