Water - unstable solvent?

Question

We have never thought of it, but it is actually very unstable. When you add acids, it becomes acidic really quickly and easily..
Why?Could the answer be polarity? Why when you add alkaline / acid it follows the change so easily

Answer 1

From your description, I think you are describing the acid bas equilibrium.

2 H2O <=> H3O (+) + OH(-)

Water is no more stable, or less stable than any other chemical compound, put enough energy in and you can interrupt the bond between Hydrogen and Oxygen.

In the case of water you have another factor that assists the disassociation – hydrogen bonding. The dipole of a normal water molecule helps to stabilize a disassociated hydrogen once it has separated from oxygen.

Oceans of water have endured on earth for a very long time, but water is not inert stuff. It is constantly shifting between that equilibrium above. Think about that back and forth reaction occurring very rapidly and continuously.

Answer 2

you're right water is a horrible buffer, but a decent solvent depending on what you're trying to do. it's the pKa of the conjugate acid and base of water that makes it a horrible buffer.