Like nitrogen and carbon, oxygen also shows this same hybridization effect on acidity. Both of the following compounds can lose a proton from a positively charged oxygen with three bonds to give a conjugate base containing a neutral oxygen with two bonds. One of these structures has pK_a = −2.4, while the other has pK_a = −8.0.
a. Show the reaction of each compound with water.
b. Match each structure with its pK_a, and explain your choice.

Consider the type of orbitals involved, and rank the following nitrogen compounds in order of decreasing basicity. 2. Rank the conjugate acids in order of increasing acidity. (Hint: These two orders should be the same!)

Rank the following acids in decreasing order of their acid strength. In each case, explain why the previous compound should be a stronger acid than the one that follows it.

Consider each pair of bases, and explain which one is more basic. Draw their conjugate acids, and show which one is a stronger acid.

(a)

(b)

Write equations for the following acid–base reactions. Label the conjugate acids and bases, and show any inductive stabilization. Predict whether the equilibrium favors the reactants or products. Try to do this without using a table of pK_a values, but if you need a hint, you can consult Appendix 4.

g. NaOCH₂CH₃ + Cl₂CHCH₂OH

h. H₂Se + NaNH₂

i. CH₃CHFCOOH + FCH₂CH₂COO^–

Give the structures of their conjugate acids, and estimate their pK_as from similar compounds in Appendix 4.

Write equations for the following acid–base reactions. Label the conjugate acids and bases, and show any inductive stabilization. Predict whether the equilibrium favors the reactants or products. Try to do this without using a table of pKa values, but if you need a hint, you can consult Appendix 4.

j. CF₃CH₂O^– + FCH₂CH₂OH