Homework Help for Chemistry

181,909 results

Chemistry is the science that deals with the structure, properties and transformations of the bodies based on their composition.

For unlimited access to Homework Help, a Homework+ subscription is required.

OC user
OC user
in Chemistry·
18 Jan 2019


1. The most useful way torationalize the strengths of uncharged acids is to compare thestabilities of the conjugate bases (negatively charged) formed byeach acid. The strongest acid will generate the most stableconjugate base, while the weakest acid will lead to formation ofthe least stable conjugate base. (Or you can say that the strongestacid yields the weakest conjugate base, and the weakest acid yieldsthe strongest conjugate base.) Use this strategy to explain thefollowing pKa values.


a. Alcohols are strongeracids than amines, and amines are stronger acids than alkanes.Explain. (Three examples are shown below.)


b. Acetic acid,CH3CO2H, is astronger acid than ethanol, CH3CH2OH (pKa = 5 and 16,respectively). Why?



c. Phenol is a stronger acidthan cyclohexanol. Explain.





Start filling in the gaps now
Log in