Chapter 14: Problem 30
Derive an expression for the relationship between \(\mathrm{p} K_{\mathrm{a}}\) and \(\mathrm{p} K_{\mathrm{b}}\) for a conjugate acid-base pair. \((\mathrm{pK}=-\log K .)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The relationship between the pKa and pKb values for a conjugate acid-base pair can be derived as follows:
\[pK_a = \log (K_w) + pK_b\]
where \(K_w\) is the ion product constant for water, approximately equal to \(1 \times 10^{-14}\) at 25°C.
Step by step solution
01
Define Ka and Kb
For a conjugate acid-base pair, Ka is the acidity constant for the acid, and Kb is the basicity constant for the base. They are related by the following equation:
\[K_w = K_a \times K_b\]
where Kw is the ion product constant for water, which is approximately equal to \(1 \times 10^{-14}\) at 25°C.
02
Define pKa and pKb
The pKa and pKb values are defined as the negative logarithm of the acidity and basicity constants, respectively. Mathematically, the expressions are written as:
\[pK_a = -\log K_a\]
\[pK_b = -\log K_b\]
03
Write the relationship between Ka and Kb using pKa and pKb
We can rewrite the equation from Step 1 using logarithm rules to express the relationship between Ka and Kb in terms of pKa and pKb. First, we can take the logarithm of both sides of the equation:
\[\log (K_w) = \log(K_a \times K_b)\]
Now, we can use the logarithm rule that states: \(\log(ab) = \log a + \log b\). Applying this rule, we get:
\[\log (K_w) = \log(K_a) + \log(K_b)\]
04
Replace log(Ka) and log(Kb) with pKa and pKb
Using the expressions for pKa and pKb from Step 2, we can replace \(\log(K_a)\) with \(-pK_a\) and \(\log(K_b)\) with \(-pK_b\). Therefore, the equation becomes:
\[\log (K_w) = -pK_a - pK_b\]
05
Rearrange the equation to express the relationship between pKa and pKb
Now, we can rearrange the equation to isolate pKa, which will give us the relationship between pKa and pKb:
\[pK_a = \log (K_w) - (-pK_b)\]
\[pK_a = \log (K_w) + pK_b\]
Thus, we have derived the expression for the relationship between the pKa and pKb values for a conjugate acid-base pair:
\[pK_a = \log (K_w) + pK_b\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Conjugate Acid-Base Pair
When an acid donates a proton, it forms a base known as its conjugate base. Similarly, when a base accepts a proton, it becomes a conjugate acid. Together, these create a conjugate acid-base pair. This relationship is important to understand the interplay between
acidity and basicity in chemical reactions.
- A common example is the pair of HCl (acid) and Cl- (conjugate base).
- In water, acids increase the concentration of H3O+, while bases increase OH-.
Ion Product Constant for Water
The ion product constant for water, denoted as Kw, is a vital concept in chemistry. It describes the equilibrium constant for the self-ionization of water:\[ \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightleftharpoons \text{H}^+ + \text{OH}^- \]At 25°C, Kw is approximately equal to \(1 \times 10^{-14}\). This value is crucial as it sets the stage for understanding how water partially ionized to establish a basis for the pH scale.
- Kw is temperature dependent, changing at varying temperatures.
- It shows the concentration product of H+ and OH- ions.
Acidity Constant
The acidity constant, often symbolized as Ka, is a measure of the strength of an acid in solution. It represents the equilibrium constant for the dissociation reaction of an acid:\[ \text{HA} \rightleftharpoons \text{H}^+ + \text{A}^- \]A larger Ka value indicates a stronger acid, which dissociates more in solution. Consequently, we derive the pKa, calculated as:\[ pK_a = -\log K_a \]This logarithmic scale simplifies representation, making it easier to compare strengths across different acids.
- Stronger acids have lower pKa values, indicating greater degree of dissociation.
- Knowledge of pKa helps in identifying the capacity of an acid to donate a proton.
Basicity Constant
The basicity constant, or Kb, quantifies the strength of a base. It is the equilibrium constant for its reaction with water to produce hydroxide ions:\\[ \text{B} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightleftharpoons \text{BH}^+ + \text{OH}^- \]A higher Kb value signifies a stronger base.pSimilar to the relationship of pKa for acids, the pKb, which is the negative logarithm of Kb, is given by:\[ pK_b = -\log K_b \]By understanding pKb, one can gain insight into how readily a base accepts a proton.
- Lower pKb values represent stronger bases.
- It is crucial in predicting the behavior and properties of base solutions.