Which is not an amphiprotic species in water: HClO3, HSO3-, H3O, HS-, HCO3-?

Understanding the concept of amphiprotic species in water is crucial for knowing the behavior of different compounds. In this scenario, we are exploring which of the following species is not amphiprotic: HClO3, HSO3-, H3O, HS-, HCO3-?

Amphiprotic species are substances that can both donate and accept protons or H+ ions. They play a significant role in acid-base reactions and can act as both acids and bases depending on the reaction they are involved in.

Let's examine each species to determine which one does not exhibit amphiprotic behavior:

  • HClO3: This is chloric acid and can donate a proton, making it amphiprotic.
  • HSO3-: This is sulfurous acid and can both donate and accept protons, exhibiting amphiprotic behavior.
  • H3O: This is hydronium ion, which can donate a proton, indicating amphiprotic characteristics.
  • HS-: This is hydrogen sulfide, which can act as a weak acid and donate a proton, showing amphiprotic properties.
  • HCO3-: This is bicarbonate ion, which can both donate and accept protons, making it an amphiprotic species.

Therefore, among the listed options, H3O is the species that is not amphiprotic in water.


Amphiprotic species are fascinating entities in water, allowing us to understand the dynamics of acid-base interactions. In our question, we ponder which species among HClO3, HSO3-, H3O, HS-, and HCO3- lacks amphiprotic behavior. Let’s dive deeper into each one!

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