Which statement about neutralization stoichiometry is true for a reaction between a monoprotic acid and a strong base?

Which statement about neutralization stoichiometry is true for a reaction between a monoprotic acid and a strong base?

• A. The mole ratio is 2:1
• B. The mole ratio is 1:1
• C. The mole ratio is 1:2
• D. The mole ratio is 3:1

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that neutralization between a monoprotic acid and a strong base uses one proton from the acid for each hydroxide ion from the base. The reaction HA + OH− → A− + H2O shows a one-to-one relationship: one mole of acid reacts with one mole of base. Therefore, the mole ratio is 1:1. Ratios like 2:1, 1:2, or 3:1 would imply more than one proton (or hydroxide) per acid molecule, which doesn’t apply to a monoprotic acid.

The main idea is that neutralization between a monoprotic acid and a strong base uses one proton from the acid for each hydroxide ion from the base. The reaction HA + OH− → A− + H2O shows a one-to-one relationship: one mole of acid reacts with one mole of base. Therefore, the mole ratio is 1:1. Ratios like 2:1, 1:2, or 3:1 would imply more than one proton (or hydroxide) per acid molecule, which doesn’t apply to a monoprotic acid.