Select the strongest acid. Succinate (pKa = 5.64) %3D Phenol (pKa = 9.9) Formic acid (pKa = 3.75) %3D

Biochemistry
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ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
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### Selecting the Strongest Acid

In the context of acidity, the strength of an acid is commonly represented by its pKa value. The lower the pKa, the stronger the acid, because it dissociates more completely in water.

#### Question:
**Select the strongest acid.**

**Options:**
1. **Succinate** (pKa = 5.64)
2. **Phenol** (pKa = 9.9)
3. **Formic acid** (pKa = 3.75)
4. **Acetic acid** (pKa = 4.76)

**Explanation:**
- **Succinate**: With a pKa of 5.64, it is a weaker acid than formic acid and acetic acid.
- **Phenol**: This has the highest pKa (9.9) among the given options, indicating it is the weakest acid.
- **Formic acid**: This has the lowest pKa value of 3.75, indicating it is the strongest acid among the options provided.
- **Acetic acid**: With a pKa of 4.76, it is stronger than succinate and phenol but weaker than formic acid.

**Conclusion:**
- **Formic acid** is the strongest acid among the given choices as it has the lowest pKa value.

To best understand the acidity strength, one should remember:
- **Lower pKa = Stronger Acid**
  
Thus, formic acid (pKa = 3.75) is recognized as the strongest acid in this list.
Transcribed Image Text:### Selecting the Strongest Acid In the context of acidity, the strength of an acid is commonly represented by its pKa value. The lower the pKa, the stronger the acid, because it dissociates more completely in water. #### Question: **Select the strongest acid.** **Options:** 1. **Succinate** (pKa = 5.64) 2. **Phenol** (pKa = 9.9) 3. **Formic acid** (pKa = 3.75) 4. **Acetic acid** (pKa = 4.76) **Explanation:** - **Succinate**: With a pKa of 5.64, it is a weaker acid than formic acid and acetic acid. - **Phenol**: This has the highest pKa (9.9) among the given options, indicating it is the weakest acid. - **Formic acid**: This has the lowest pKa value of 3.75, indicating it is the strongest acid among the options provided. - **Acetic acid**: With a pKa of 4.76, it is stronger than succinate and phenol but weaker than formic acid. **Conclusion:** - **Formic acid** is the strongest acid among the given choices as it has the lowest pKa value. To best understand the acidity strength, one should remember: - **Lower pKa = Stronger Acid** Thus, formic acid (pKa = 3.75) is recognized as the strongest acid in this list.
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