Example of conjugate acid base pair

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A conjugate acid-base pair consists of two species that differ by only one proton (H⁺).

When a base accepts a proton, it forms its conjugate acid.
When an acid donates a proton, it forms its conjugate base.

Example:

Consider the reaction of ammonia (NH₃) with water (H₂O):

NH₃ + H₂O ⇌ NH₄⁺ + OH⁻

  • Ammonia (NH₃) acts as a base and accepts a proton from water. Its conjugate acid is ammonium ion (NH₄⁺).
  • Water (H₂O) acts as an acid and donates a proton to ammonia. Its conjugate base is hydroxide ion (OH⁻).

Therefore, (NH₃ / NH₄⁺) and (H₂O / OH⁻) are two conjugate acid-base pairs in this reaction.

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