Chapter 2.7, Problem 2.10P

Write equations for the following acid-base reactions Use the information in Table 2-2 or Appendix 4 to predict whether the equilibrium will favor the reactants or the products.

1. a. HCOOH + ⁻CN
2. b. CH3COO⁻ + CH3OH
3. c. (CH₃)₂CHOH + NaNH₂
4. d. NaOCH₃ + HCN
5. e. HCI + CH₃CH₂OH
6. f. H₃O⁺ + CH3O⁻

SOLUTION

to (a): Cyanide is the conjugate base of HCN. It can accept a proton from formic acid:

Reading from Table 2-2 formic acid (pK_a = 3.76) is a stronger acid than HCN (pK_a = 9 22), and cyanide is a stronger base than formate. The products (weaker acid and base) are favored.