Chapter 3, Problem 4Q

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The strong-enough base for the given reaction is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

$\text{p}{K}_{\text{a}}$ of a reagent can be mathematically defined as follows:

$\text{p}{K}_{\text{a}}\text{= }-\text{log(}{K}_{\text{a}}\text{) }$, where $K_{\text{a}}$ is the dissolution constant …… (1)

More the dissolution constant, more are the ions produced when the reagent is dissolved in water. Thus, by the above relation, strong acids have low $\text{p}{K}_{\text{a}}$.

The stronger the acid, the weaker is its conjugate base.

Larger the $\text{p}{K}_{\text{a}}$ of the conjugate base, stronger the acid is.

Strong bases have high $\text{p}{K}_{\text{a}}$ since weak acids produce strong conjugate bases.

When strong acids react with strong bases, the products formed are weak acids and weak bases. The reaction favors in the direction of forming products, which are weak.