Organic Chemistry (8th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321768418
ISBN 13: 978-0-32176-841-4

Chapter 1 - Introduction and Review - Study Problems - Page 39: 1-44 b

Answer

The stronger acid is Phenylacetic acid. It is 3.9 stronger than propionic acid.

Work Step by Step

To calculate how much stronger it is, the following calculation is used: $K_a$ phenylacetic acid/ $K_a$ propionic acid = 5.2 x $10^{-5}$/ 1.35 x $10^{-5}$ = 3.9 Phenylacetic acid is 3.9 times stronger than propionic acid.
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