Predict the direction in which the equilibrium will lie for the reaction C₆H₅COO^- + HF $\rarr$ C₆H₅COOH + F^-.
K_a(C₆H₅COOH) = 6.5 * 10^-5; K_a(HF) = 7.1 * 10^-4

Question

Predict the direction in which the equilibrium will lie for the reaction C₆H₅COO^- + HF

\rarr

C₆H₅COOH + F^-.
K_a(C₆H₅COOH) = 6.5 * 10^-5; K_a(HF) = 7.1 * 10^-4

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The equilibrium will lie to the right because the K_a of HF is greater than the K_a of C₆H₅COOH. This means that HF is a stronger acid than C₆H₅COOH, and so the reaction will proceed to form more of the weaker acid, C₆H₅COOH.

Predict the Direction in Which the Equilibrium Will Lie for the Reaction