hello all, so my exam is tomorrow morning and I have a couple last minute questi

Question

hello all,

so my exam is tomorrow morning and I have a couple last minute questions regarding acid/base equilibrium! My study guide has 3 questions with answers to them, but I just can't come up with a conclusion as to why they are correct!

If you could explain IN GREAT DETAIL as to why one side of the reaction is favored as opposed to the other, I would appreciate it greatly!! Thank you

Encircle the side favored at equilibrium for the following acid/base reaction: Encircle the side favored at equilibrium for the following acid/base reaction: Encircle the side favored at equilibrium for the following acid/base reaction:

Explanation / Answer

A larger pKa value = weaker acid = stronger conjugate base

A reaction will proceed in the direction to form the acid with the larger pKa value.

1)

The acid on the left side of the equation is 4-methylbenzyl alchol (1st reactant). It has the larger pKa value. Therefore, the reaction proceeds to the left.

2)

The conjugate acid on the right side of the equation is cyclopentylmethanol (2nd product). It has the larger pKa value. Therefore, the reaction proceeds to the right.

3)

The acid on the left side of the equation is 2-propanol (2nd reactant). It has the larger pKa value. Therefore, the reaction proceeds to the left.

I think you will be provided with pKa values on your exam.

Hope this helps and good luck! :)   

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