The ion responsible is HCO3-. HCO3- is the conjugate base of the weak acid H2CO3 and ionizes in water: HCO3- + H2O <=> H2CO3 + OH- Since OH- ions are produced by the hydrolysis, [OH-] > [H+] and the water is basic (pH > 7). Solution The ion responsible is HCO3-. HCO3- is the conjugate base of the weak acid H2CO3 and ionizes in water: HCO3- + H2O <=> H2CO3 + OH- Since OH- ions are produced by the hydrolysis, [OH-] > [H+] and the water is basic (pH > 7)..