Identify the base in the reaction (CH3)3N(aq) + HCl(aq) → (CH3)3NH+(aq) + Cl−(aq) 1. (CH3)3NH+(aq) 2. Cl−(aq) 3. (CH3)3N(aq) 4. HCl(aq)

(CH3)3N(aq)

Explanation:

We have to think of the definition of acid and base in the sense of Brownstead-Lowry. The Brønsted–Lowry theory is an acid–base reaction theory which was proposed independently by Johannes Nicolaus Brønsted and Thomas Martin Lowry in 1923.

A Bronsted-Lowry acid is a chemical species that donates one or more hydrogen ions in a reaction. In contrast, a Bronsted-Lowry base accepts hydrogen ions. When it donates its proton, the acid becomes its conjugate base. A more general approach to the theory is viewing an acid as a proton donor and a base as a proton acceptor.

If we look at the reaction closely, we can see that (CH3)3N(aq) accepted a proton. According to the definition above, we will have to classify (CH3)3N(aq) as a base. Hence the answer.