Answer: D. HCO3− can act as an acid or a base. Its base strength is Kb=Kw/Ka1=2.3×10−8, which is greater than its acid strength, Ka2=4.7×10−11. The predominant hydrolysis produces OH−, so the solution is basic.
A: Treats hydrogencarbonate as an acid and predicts the acidic effect of producing H3O+, although this hydrolysis is weaker.
B: Identifies the predominant hydrolysis but reverses the pH effect of producing OH−.
C: Predicts a basic solution but pairs it with acid hydrolysis, which produces H3O+.
Remember: for an amphiprotic ion, compare its acid strength with its base strength.