Question

Explain why an aqueous solution of ammonium chloride is acidic in nature? Illustrate your answer with the help of a chemical equation.

Answer 1

An aqueous solution of ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) is acidic because it is a salt formed from a strong acid (HCl) and a weak base (NH₄OH). When dissolved in water, the salt dissociates into ammonium ions \[\ce{(NH^+_4)}\] and chloride ions (Cl⁻). The ammonium ions act as a weak acid, reacting with water (hydrolysis) to donate a proton. This releases hydronium ions (H₃O⁺), which lowers the pH of the solution.

\[\ce{NH^+_{4{(aq)}} + H2O_{(l)} <=> NH3_{(aq)} + H3O^+_{( aq)}}\]