Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following compounds is most likely to have come from the stronger acid?
A
B
C
D
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the functional groups present in each compound. The first image shows an ethoxide ion, the second image shows an acetate ion, the third image shows ethanol, and the fourth image shows acetic acid.
Understand the relationship between the conjugate base and the strength of the acid. A stronger acid will have a more stable conjugate base.
Consider the stability of the conjugate bases. The acetate ion (second image) is resonance-stabilized, making it more stable than the ethoxide ion (first image).
Recall that acetic acid (fourth image) is a stronger acid than ethanol (third image) due to the resonance stabilization of its conjugate base, the acetate ion.
Conclude that the compound most likely to have come from the stronger acid is the acetate ion, as it is the conjugate base of acetic acid, which is stronger than ethanol.