See image — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Solution **Step 1: Identify the proton in each acid** - **Cyanic acid** ($H-O-C≡N$): The acidic proton is the H bonded to O - **Isocyanic acid** ($H-N=C=O$): The acidic proton is the H bonded to N **Step 2: Remove the proton from each acid** - Cyanic acid loses $H^+$: $$H-O-C≡N \rightarrow ^-O-C≡N \text{ (cyanate ion)}$$ - Isocyanic acid loses $H^+$: $$H-N=C=O \rightarrow ^-N=C=O \text{ (isocyanate ion)}$$ **Step 3: Compare the resulting anions** Both conjugate bases have the same **molecular formula** and **charge distribution**: - Both are $[OCN]^-$ - Both have the same three atoms (O, C, N) arranged in a line with identical bonding and charge **Step 4: Recognize resonance structures** The two anions are actually **resonance structures** of the same ion: $$^-O-C≡N \longleftrightarrow ^-N=C=O$$ The negative charge is delocalized over both O and N atoms, but it's fundamentally the **same anion**. **Answer: (A) same anion** ✓