Chapter 21, Problem 37P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason as to why the $\text{p}{K}_{\text{a}}$ of the ${\text{H}}_{\text{a}}$ protons in $\text{1-acteylcyclohexane}$ higher than the ${\text{pK}}_{\text{a}}$ of the ${\text{H}}_{\text{b}}$ protons is to be identified.

Concept introduction: The more easily an acid loses proton, the more it will be acidic. In case of organic compounds, various factors help to determine the strength of acidity. Acidic strength can be measured by a factor known as $\text{p}{K}_{\text{a}}$. The lower the value of ${\text{pK}}_{\text{a}}$, the stronger is the acid. Numerically, $\text{p}{K}_{\text{a}}$ is the negative base $10$ logarithm of the acid dissociation constant.