Chapter 24: Problem 150
Identify the correct statements : (a) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}<\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COO}^{-}<\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{-}\)[basic strength] (b) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}<\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COO}^{-}<\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{-}\)[nucleophilicity] (c) \(\mathrm{F}<\mathrm{Cl}^{-}<\mathrm{Br}^{-}<\mathrm{I}^{-} \quad\) [basic strength \(]\) (d) \(\mathrm{F}^{-}<\mathrm{Cl}^{-}<\mathrm{Br}^{-}<\mathrm{I}^{-} \quad\) [nucleophilicity]
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Analyzing Basic Strength of (a)
Evaluating Nucleophilicity of (b)
Analyzing Basic Strength of Halogens in (c)
Evaluating Nucleophilicity of Halogens in (d)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Basic Strength
In Lewis acid-base theory, a base is defined as a species that donates a lone pair of electrons. However, in the more common Brønsted-Lowry concept, a base is a proton acceptor. The basic strength of a compound can often be visualized by looking at its conjugate acid. A strong base typically has a weak conjugate acid and vice versa.
For example:
- The methoxide ion ( ext{CH}_3 ext{O}^-) is a conjugate base of methanol. Methoxide is a strong base due to methanol being a weak acid.
- The acetate ion ( ext{CH}_3 ext{COO}^-) is a weaker base compared to methoxide because its conjugate acid, acetic acid, is stronger than methanol.
- Finally, water is the weakest base in this comparison since its conjugate acid, hydronium ion ( ext{H}_3 ext{O}^+), is much stronger than methanol or acetic acid.
Conjugate Base
Consider the following points about conjugate bases:
- A strong acid will yield a weak conjugate base, as the acid readily donates protons and the conjugate is less inclined to accept protons.
- Conversely, a weak acid will have a strong conjugate base, indicating the acid's reluctance to relinquish its proton, leaving the conjugate with enhanced proton-accepting capabilities.
- For example, methanol (a weak acid) gives rise to the methoxide ion ( ext{CH}_3 ext{O}^-), a strong base, while acetic acid (stronger than methanol) forms the acetate ion ( ext{CH}_3 ext{COO}^-), a relatively weaker base.
Acids and Bases
There are few core principles to keep in mind:
- Acids are proton donors or electron pair acceptors, according to Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis theories respectively.
- Bases are proton acceptors or electron pair donors. This dual nature provides a strong base for forming strong ionic or coordinate bonds in reactions.
- Strong acids include hydrochloric acid ( ext{HCl}) and sulfuric acid ( ext{H}_2 ext{SO}_4) while weak acids include acetic acid ( ext{CH}_3 ext{COOH}).
- Some bases like sodium hydroxide ( ext{NaOH}) are considered strong due to their high tendency to accept protons.
Halogens
Let's uncover key insights:
- Halogens are known for their roles as strong oxidizing agents due to their high electronegativities and tendencies to gain electrons to achieve a full valence shell.
- When behaving as anions, these elements are also noteworthy in the context of nucleophilicity and basicity.
- Their nucleophilic behavior interestingly diverges in different solvents. In polar aprotic solvents, larger halide ions like iodide ( ext{I}^-) become more efficient nucleophiles than smaller ones like fluoride ( ext{F}^-), due to less extensive solvation shielding their electrons.