Strong Base Question

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noelle_lipschutz_3F
Posts: 53
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:44 pm

Strong Base Question

Postby noelle_lipschutz_3F » Thu Dec 10, 2020 8:57 pm

How do you calculate which base is stronger when given two compounds?

Jeffrey Hablewitz 2I
Posts: 100
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:33 pm

Re: Strong Base Question

Postby Jeffrey Hablewitz 2I » Thu Dec 10, 2020 10:08 pm

Because all strong bases completely ionize in solution, it only makes sense to compare the strength of weak bases. This is what I was able to find on how to determine the comparative strength of weak bases:

Weak bases do not provide OH- ions by dissociation. Instead, they react with water to generate OH- ions. This reaction occurs when an atom in a weak base "steals" a hydrogen from oxygen. Therefore, there are two things to consider when determining the qualitative strength of a weak base:
1. the ease with which the lone pair picks up a hydrogen ion,
If the atom to which the H+ bonds has a stronger σ- charge, the weak base is stronger.
2. the stability of the ions being formed.
If the conjugate acid is more stable, the weak base is stronger.

I didn't see this on the syllabus so I don't think this will be on the final. Hope this helps!


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