Chapter 2, Problem 2.10P

Considers two acids: ${\text{HCO}}_{\text{2}}\text{H}$ (formic acid, ${\text{pK}}_{\text{a}}=3.8$) and pivalic acid

$\left[{\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{3}}{\text{CCO}}_{\text{2}}{\text{H, pK}}_a=5.0\right]$. (a) Which acid has the larger ${\text{K}}_{\text{a}}$? (b) Which acid is the stronger acid? (c) Which acid forms the stronger conjugate base? (d) When each acid is dissolved in water, for which acid does the equilibrium lie further to the right?