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HClO4 is a stronger proton donor than HNO3, but in water both acids appear to be

ID: 526869 • Letter: H

Question

HClO4 is a stronger proton donor than HNO3, but in water both acids appear to be of equal strength: they are both 100% ionized. Why is this so? What solvent property would be necessary in order to distinguish between the acidities of these Brønsted acids? Select all that apply.

a.Changing to a different solvent could not distinguish between the two acids.

b.A solvent that is a stronger proton acceptor than water would be needed to distinguish between the two acids.

c.Both of these acids are much stronger acids than water.

d.A solvent that is a weaker proton acceptor than water would be needed to distinguish between the two acids

Explanation / Answer

(d) A solvent that is a weaker proton acceptor than water would be needed to distinguish between the two acids.

Because to a weaker proton acceptor only the stronger acid can donate its proton effectively.