Chapter 20, Problem 20.7P

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

The first and second ionization equations of succinic acid with their $\text{p}{K}_{\text{a}}$ values are to be stated.

Concept introduction:

Carboxylic acid is a class of organic compound that contains a $-\text{COOH}$ group attached with a hydrocarbon chain. They occur widely in nature that includes amino acid, acetic acid (vinegar) and many more. Deprotonation of carboxylic acid gives carboxylate anion which is mostly present in soaps. Succinic acid is a dicarboxylic acid compound with the loss of protons it forms succinate which is generated in mitochondria via tricarboxylic acid cycle.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

The reason as to why the $\text{p}{K}_{\text{a}}$ value of first ionization is lower than the second ionization $\text{p}{K}_{\text{a}}$ value is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

Carboxylic acid is a class of organic compound that contains a $-\text{COOH}$ group attached with a hydrocarbon chain. They occur widely in nature that includes amino acid, acetic acid (vinegar) and so on. Deprotonation of carboxylic acid gives carboxylate anion which is mostly present in soaps. Succinic acid is a dicarboxylic acid compound with the loss of protons it forms succinate which is generated in mitochondria via tricarboxylic acid cycle.