H2PO4- acts as a proton donor, whereas HPO42- serves as a proton acceptor. Step 1: Determining hydrogen ion donors and acceptors in the reaction displayed: H2PO4- is predisposed to release a H+ ion to yield HPO42-. On the other hand, HPO42- is inclined to accept a H+ ion, producing H2PO4-. The process of an acid in a water solvent is characterized as dissociation: HA ⇔ H+ + A- where HA denotes a proton acid. Therefore, H2PO4- = HA and HPO42- = A-. Acids are recognized as proton donors, which is why H2PO4- donates protons and HPO42- accepts them.