Graphic illustration of the basicity of EHn molecules

Periodic tableGroup 15Group 16Group 17
Formula

Electron Density Map (calculated)		NH3
 		H2O
 		HF
 
basicityweak basev weak basenot basic

decreasing basicity (less red at E)


Stronger bases
have higher electron density (more red) at the atom accepting the proton.













 
HCl 
not basic
HBr
not basic
HI
not basic
Dr Sheila Woodgate
© The University of Auckland 2002