HW 6C.17

[SelenaDahabreh1D]

For 6C.17, the question asks us to identify which is the stronger base: BrO- (hypobromite ion) or C17H19O3N (morphine). When I consulted the answer key, it came about answering this question by calculating the pKb values, but the question doesn't offer the Kb values. Are we expected to know the Kb values? Also, is there another way to answer this question without calculating the pKb values?

[Darlene Lien 3E]

Hi, I think you're supposed to look at Table 6C.2 to get the kB values!

[SelenaDahabreh1D]

Hi, I think you're supposed to look at Table 6C.2 to get the kB values!

Ahh, okay! Thanks so much!! Do you, by any chance, know if those values will be provided to us on the final exam if we encounter a question similar to this one?

[Danielle Goldwirth 3F]

I was wondering the same thing!
My approach was that BrO- is the conjugate base of HBrO, a weak acid, which means that BrO- must be a relatively stronger base.
I think this is a valid way to do this problem as well.