Chapter 19, Problem 20P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The more acidic compound in each of the given pair of compounds is to be identified.

Concept Introduction:

The $\text{p}{K}_{\text{a}}$ value is inversely related to the acidic strength of the compound. The major factors that contribute to the acidic strength of a compound are $\text{s}$ character, inductive effect and polarity.

A compound having a high percentage of $\text{s}$ character will have a high amount of acidity.

There are two types of inductive effects, namely the positive and the negative inductive effect. Positive inductive effect decreases the acidic strength of the compounds, whereas negative inductive effect increases the acidic strength of the compounds.

The acidity of an acid depends upon the stability of its conjugate base, which is formed by the loss of a proton from a molecule of the acid.