Factors for Acid Stength [ENDORSED]

[005199750]

How do size, electronegativity, and resonance influence an acid's strength?

[Tyler Vu 4I]

Resonance will increase the stability of the conjugate base so the acidity will be increased as well. A larger atom can accommodate a negative charge better so the base will be more stable and the acid will be stronger. If an atom has a larger electronegativity, it will be less inclined to share electrons with the proton. If the atom that shares the electron pair has an increased electronegativity, it will create a weaker base and a stronger acid.

[lukezhang2C]

The more electronegative the atom is the stronger the acid due to the strong ionic nature of their electron-sharing nature!

[Claudia Luong 4K]

Size -> larger size -> more polarizable -> weaker bond -> stronger acid
Electronegativity -> higher electronegativity -> pulls electrons very strongly -> more stable -> stronger acid
Resonance -> electrons are more spread out -> more stable -> stronger acid