Chapter 13.1, Problem 3P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

2,4-pentanedione is a stronger acid than ethyl-3-oxobutyrate, the reason has to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The ionization constant ${\text{K}}_{\text{a}}$ of acids increases with increasing the strength of acid. The stronger the acid, higher the value of ionization constant ${\text{K}}_{\text{a}}$.

The relation between ${\text{K}}_{\text{a}}$ and ${\text{pK}}_{\text{a}}$ is expressed as,

${\text{pK}}_{\text{a}}\text{= -log}\left({\text{K}}_{\text{a}}\right)$

The stronger the acid, lower the value of ${\text{pK}}_{\text{a}}$.