Chapter 6, Problem 6.12P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Energy diagram similar to Figure 6-6, using ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$ and ${\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}^{\text{+}}$ as an acid is to be drawn. Out of the two species, which is a stronger acid is to be predicted, and whether this result is consistent with their pKa values is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

A proton is significantly more acidic when the atom to which it is attached is more positively charged than when it is uncharged. The charged species are much higher in energy than the uncharged species, in the sense that the charged species are significantly less stable. Out of the two species, the one with a higher pKa value indicates a weaker acid than the one with a lower pKa value.