What reason best explains why K< 1 for this reaction? HO. O The carbanion species is a weaker base due to polarizability. & The carbanion species is a weaker base due to electronegativity. O The carbanion species is a stronger base due to electronegativity. The carbanion species is a stronger base due to polarizability.

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question
Could please help answer this problem and explain the answers?
### Understanding Weak Bases and Reaction Equilibria

**Question:**
What reason best explains why \( K < 1 \) for this reaction?

```
            ..             ..
R—C—C—C—C—:O:^-  +  R—C—C—C—C—          ↔          R—C—C—C—C—OH  +  R—C—C—C—C—O:^-  
            ..                                ..
```

**Answer Choices:**
- **Option A:** The carbanion species is a weaker base due to polarizability.
- **Option B:** The carbanion species is a weaker base due to electronegativity. **(Correct Answer)**
- **Option C:** The carbanion species is a stronger base due to electronegativity.
- **Option D:** The carbanion species is a stronger base due to polarizability.

When considering weak bases and reaction equilibria, a reaction with \( K < 1 \) implies that the reactants are favored over the products. In this specific reaction, understanding the properties of the carbanion species is crucial to explain the equilibrium position.

**Explanation:**  
A carbanion is an ion with a negatively charged carbon atom. The stability and base strength of a carbanion are influenced by several factors including polarizability and electronegativity.

- **Polarizability** refers to the ability of an electron cloud to be distorted by an electric field. Larger atoms with more diffuse electron clouds are more polarizable.
- **Electronegativity** is the ability of an atom to attract and hold electrons. Atoms with higher electronegativity will hold electrons more tightly.

In this reaction, the carbanion species is considered a weaker base due to its electronegativity. Carbanions typically have carbon as the central atom, which is less electronegative compared to oxygen (as found in alkoxides). Therefore, a carbanion has a less strong affinity for protons compared to an alkoxide ion, making it a weaker base.

Thus, the correct answer is:
**Option B:** The carbanion species is a weaker base due to electronegativity.

Understanding these principles is essential for predicting the direction of equilibrium in chemical reactions. By recognizing the factors affecting base strength, chemists can determine how different species will behave in solution, which is vital for reactions
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Weak Bases and Reaction Equilibria **Question:** What reason best explains why \( K < 1 \) for this reaction? ``` .. .. R—C—C—C—C—:O:^- + R—C—C—C—C— ↔ R—C—C—C—C—OH + R—C—C—C—C—O:^- .. .. ``` **Answer Choices:** - **Option A:** The carbanion species is a weaker base due to polarizability. - **Option B:** The carbanion species is a weaker base due to electronegativity. **(Correct Answer)** - **Option C:** The carbanion species is a stronger base due to electronegativity. - **Option D:** The carbanion species is a stronger base due to polarizability. When considering weak bases and reaction equilibria, a reaction with \( K < 1 \) implies that the reactants are favored over the products. In this specific reaction, understanding the properties of the carbanion species is crucial to explain the equilibrium position. **Explanation:** A carbanion is an ion with a negatively charged carbon atom. The stability and base strength of a carbanion are influenced by several factors including polarizability and electronegativity. - **Polarizability** refers to the ability of an electron cloud to be distorted by an electric field. Larger atoms with more diffuse electron clouds are more polarizable. - **Electronegativity** is the ability of an atom to attract and hold electrons. Atoms with higher electronegativity will hold electrons more tightly. In this reaction, the carbanion species is considered a weaker base due to its electronegativity. Carbanions typically have carbon as the central atom, which is less electronegative compared to oxygen (as found in alkoxides). Therefore, a carbanion has a less strong affinity for protons compared to an alkoxide ion, making it a weaker base. Thus, the correct answer is: **Option B:** The carbanion species is a weaker base due to electronegativity. Understanding these principles is essential for predicting the direction of equilibrium in chemical reactions. By recognizing the factors affecting base strength, chemists can determine how different species will behave in solution, which is vital for reactions
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Carbohydrates
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY