Which of the following compounds would be the weakest base?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order to determine the weakest base from the given compounds, we need to identify the least basic ion or molecule. Basicity is a measure of a species' ability to accept protons. Here, we can see that all the compounds have a negative charge, which suggests that they can accept protons. However, the size of the anion also plays a role in determining basicity. The larger the anion, the more diffuse the negative charge, and the less likely it is to attract protons. Therefore, we can compare the size of the anions in each compound.

I: CH3COO- - This anion has a relatively large size, making it the least basic of all the compounds.

II: F- - Fluoride ion is small and will have a high charge density, making it a strong base.

III: HSO4- - This anion is relatively small and can readily accept a proton to form H2SO4. Therefore, it is a moderately strong base.

IV: NH2- - Amide ion is a strong base because it has a pair of unshared electrons that can accept protons.

V: OH- - Hydroxide ion is a strong base and readily accepts protons.

Thus, the compound with the weakest basicity is I, CH3COO-.

Which of the Following Compounds Would Be the Weakest Base