Chapter 21, Problem 4TE

Water is formed from the reaction between an acid and a base. Why is water not classified as a salt?

To determine

The reason for not classifying water as a salt.

Answer to Problem 4TE

The water is not classified as a salt as it is not an ionic compound.

Explanation of Solution

The ionic compound formed is a result of the neutralization reaction occurring between an acid and a base is called salt. The positively charged part of an acid binds with the negatively charged part of the base. The binding of cations and anions forms the salt. But as water is a covalent compound formed by sharing of electrons cannot be considered as a salt. The water does not dissociate in its molten or aqueous solution as other ionic salts are dissociated in their aqueous state.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the water is not classified as a salt as it is not an ionic compound.