Select the strongest acid. Succinate (pKa = 5.64) %3D Phenol (pKa = 9.9) Formic acid (pKa = 3.75) %3D
Select the strongest acid. Succinate (pKa = 5.64) %3D Phenol (pKa = 9.9) Formic acid (pKa = 3.75) %3D
Biochemistry
9th Edition
ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1P
Related questions
Question
Pls help asap

Transcribed Image Text:### Selecting the Strongest Acid
In the context of acidity, the strength of an acid is commonly represented by its pKa value. The lower the pKa, the stronger the acid, because it dissociates more completely in water.
#### Question:
**Select the strongest acid.**
**Options:**
1. **Succinate** (pKa = 5.64)
2. **Phenol** (pKa = 9.9)
3. **Formic acid** (pKa = 3.75)
4. **Acetic acid** (pKa = 4.76)
**Explanation:**
- **Succinate**: With a pKa of 5.64, it is a weaker acid than formic acid and acetic acid.
- **Phenol**: This has the highest pKa (9.9) among the given options, indicating it is the weakest acid.
- **Formic acid**: This has the lowest pKa value of 3.75, indicating it is the strongest acid among the options provided.
- **Acetic acid**: With a pKa of 4.76, it is stronger than succinate and phenol but weaker than formic acid.
**Conclusion:**
- **Formic acid** is the strongest acid among the given choices as it has the lowest pKa value.
To best understand the acidity strength, one should remember:
- **Lower pKa = Stronger Acid**
Thus, formic acid (pKa = 3.75) is recognized as the strongest acid in this list.
Expert Solution

This question has been solved!
Explore an expertly crafted, step-by-step solution for a thorough understanding of key concepts.
This is a popular solution!
Trending now
This is a popular solution!
Step by step
Solved in 2 steps

Knowledge Booster
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biochemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.Recommended textbooks for you

Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781319114671
Author:
Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman

Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781464126116
Author:
David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman

Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul…
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781118918401
Author:
Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. Pratt
Publisher:
WILEY

Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781319114671
Author:
Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman

Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781464126116
Author:
David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman

Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul…
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781118918401
Author:
Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. Pratt
Publisher:
WILEY

Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781305961135
Author:
Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Owen M. McDougal
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781305577206
Author:
Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological …
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9780134015187
Author:
John E. McMurry, David S. Ballantine, Carl A. Hoeger, Virginia E. Peterson
Publisher:
PEARSON