EXAMPLE 4.4 Differentiating acidities in different solvents which of the solvent

Question

EXAMPLE 4.4 Differentiating acidities in different solvents which of the solvents given in Fig. 4.4 could be used to differentiate the acidities of HCI (pk, ~-6) and I Answer We need to look for a solvent with an acid-base discrimination window between -6 and -9. The only solvents in the table for which the window covers the range -6 to -9 are methanoic (formic) acid, HCOOH, and hydrofluoric acid, HF Selft (pK,- 27) and GeH, (pK, 25)? hich of the solvents given in Fig, 4.4 could be used to discriminate the acidities of PH,

Explanation / Answer

GIven that the pKa of phosphine and germanium hydride are 27 and 25 respectively, solvents that cover the range of 25 to 27 can be used to differentiate between the two molecules. Such solvents given in the table are DMSO and ammonia with the former ranging till 25 and the latter from 10 to nearly 40. Also, considering the wide range of ammonia w.r.t. DMSO, DMSO will be a better choice as a solvent for the given distinguishment rather than ammonia, though as mentioned before, both can serve the purpose with DMSO dissolving phosphine effectively and ammonia dissolving germanium hydride effectively.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse E
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.