Answer
$C{O_3}^{2-}(aq) + H_2O(l) \lt -- \gt HC{O_3}^-(aq) + OH^-(aq)$
$HC{O_3}^{-}(aq) + H_2O(l) \lt -- \gt H_2C{O_3}(aq) + OH^-(aq)$
Work Step by Step
1. Identify if the compound is a polyprotic acid or base:
$C{O_3}^{2-}$ is a base.
2. Write the ionization equation for the original base.
- Write an equation where $C{O_3}^{2-}$ receives a proton from a water molecule.
3. Now, for a polyprotic base, the conjugate acid is capable of receiving one proton too, so write an equation where it does that.
- $HC{O_3}^-$ can act as a base too, so write an equation where it receives a proton from a water molecule.
- Repeat "Step 3" for the next reaction, until the conjugate acid is incapable of receiving one proton.
