acidic trends
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acidic trends
Am I correct in saying the strength of an acid is related to electronegativity of the central atom? Can someone elaborate on this?
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Re: acidic trends
The strength of an acid depends on bond length or the stability of the anion, which occurs when there is an atom with a high electronegativity. So, if its just HF compared to HCl, then HCl is stronger by bond length. If its H-O-F and H-O-Cl being compared, then H-O-F is stronger due to electronegativity. Its not the electronegativity of the central atom though because the central atom in this case would be oxygen.
Re: acidic trends
There are different components that contribute the acidity of a molecule, but concerning electronegativity, acids containing a central atom with higher negativity allows for a more stable conjugate base, so the acid is more likely to dissociate.
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Re: acidic trends
Another way of thinking about it is the strength of an acid can be related to electronegativity because in the case of H-O-F and H-O-Cl since F is more electronegative it pulls on the oxygen weakening the O-H bond making HF a stronger acid.
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