Which of the following acids is the weakest? The acid is followed by its K_a value. A)HC₂H₃O₂,1.8 × 10^-5 B)HIO,2.3 × 10^-11 C)HBrO,2.3 × 10^-9 D)HClO,2.9 × 10^-8 E)C₆H₅CO₂H,6.3 × 10^-5

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The weaker the acid, the larger the pKa value. Therefore, the acid with the smallest K_a (larger pKa) is the weakest. Thus, HIO has a pKa of 11.3, which is larger than the pKa values of the other acids. Therefore, HIO is the weakest acid among the given options.

Which of the Following Acids Is the Weakest? the Acid