Oxoacids

[005532550]

What exactly is an oxoacid and how does electronegativity influence the acidity of the compound? Have we learned this yet?

[Gabi_Maldonado_1B]

In my understanding, an oxoacid is an acid containing oxygen molecule(s). The greater amount of oxygen molecules, otherwise stated as the greater electronegative atoms in an oxoacid, makes the pKa value smaller and the acid stronger because the electronegativity difference places a greater positive charge on the H atom.

[Nika Kononov 3E]

In my understanding, an oxoacid is an acid containing oxygen molecule(s). The greater amount of oxygen molecules, otherwise stated as the greater electronegative atoms in an oxoacid, makes the pKa value smaller and the acid stronger because the electronegativity difference places a greater positive charge on the H atom.

More specifically, an oxoacid will always contain a hydrogen and oxygen bonded together and at least one other element. The hydrogen bonded to the oxygen is the one that dissociates and produces the H+ cation. When this hydrogen dissociates, it leaves a negative charge on the remaining molecule. The electronegativity of the elements in this anion can determine how stable this anion will be which in turn affects the acidity. The higher the electronegativity, the more stable the anion, and the more acidic the compound.