Asked by Johnathan Rozell on Apr 26, 2024
Verified
The pKa1 for oxalic acid (pKa = 1.27) is much lower than the pKa1 of glutaric acid (pKa = 4.35). Briefly explain why.
pKa
A quantitative measure of the strength of an acid in solution, defined as the negative logarithm of its acid dissociation constant.
Oxalic Acid
A dicarboxylic acid with the formula \(C_2H_2O_4\), known for its role in plant metabolism and as a cleaning agent.
Glutaric Acid
A dicarboxylic acid with the formula C5H8O4, characterized by five carbon atoms and two carboxylic acid groups, used in the manufacture of polymers and polyesters.
- Clarify the relationship between the molecular formation and acidity strength in carboxylic acids.
Verified Answer
NS
Nadia SanchezApr 28, 2024
Final Answer :
The second carboxylic acid in oxalic acid is an electron withdrawing group and much closer than the carboxylic acid in glutaric acid. The electron withdrawing group causes the carboxylic acid to be more acidic.
Learning Objectives
- Clarify the relationship between the molecular formation and acidity strength in carboxylic acids.