PPT Slide

The Leveling Effect

In water, the strongest acid possible is H3O+ and the

strongest base possible is OH-.

Any acid stronger than H3O+ donates its proton to H2O, and

any base stronger than OH- accepts a proton from H2O; thus,

water exerts a leveling effect (levels the strengths of all strong

acids and bases).

To rank strong acids: must dissolve in a solvent that is a weaker

base than water (i.e., one that accepts their protons less readily).

HCl(g) + CH3COOH(l) Cl-(acet) + CH3COOH2+(acet)

HBr(g) + CH3COOH(l) Br-(acet) + CH3COOH2+(acet)

HI(g) + CH3COOH(l) I-(acet) + CH3COOH2+(acet)

KHI > KHBr > KHCl