Textbook Question
For each of the following molecules, predict the product that would form upon reaction of a single equivalent of a strong base.
(a)
1
views
Ch. 4 - Acids and Bases: Electron Flow
Mullins1st EditionOrganic Chemistry: A Learner Centered ApproachISBN: 9780137566471
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch. 2 - General Chemistry Translated: Finding the Electrons114
- Ch. 3 - Alkanes and Cycloalkanes: Properties and Conformational Analysis109
- Ch. 4 - Acids and Bases: Electron Flow144
- Ch. 5 - Chemical Reaction Analysis: Thermodynamics and Kinetics118
- Ch. 6 - Stereoisomerism: Arrangement of Atoms in Space112
- Ch. 7 - Principles of Green (Organic) Chemistry3
- Ch. 8 - Alkenes I: Properties and Electrophilic Additions158
- Ch. 9 - Alkenes II: Oxidation and Reduction150
- Ch. 10 - Alkynes: Electrophilic Addition and Redox Reactions101
- Ch. 11 - Properties and Synthesis of Alkyl Halides: Radical Reactions108
- Ch. 12 - Substitution and Elimination: Reactions of Haloalkanes172
- Ch. 13 - Alcohols, Ethers and Related Compounds: Substitution and Elimination239
- Ch. 14 - Structural Identification I: Infrared Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry54
- Ch. 15 - Structural Identification II: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy93
- Ch. 16 - Metals in Organic Chemistry48
- Ch. 17 - Carbonyl Addition Reactions: Aldehydes and Ketones45
- Ch. 18 - Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution I: Carboxylic Acids18
- Ch. 19 - Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution II: Carboxylic Acid Derivatives39
- Ch. 20 - Enolates: Carbonyl Addition and Substitution13
- Ch. 21 - Conjugated Systems I: Stability and Addition Reactions56
- Ch. 22 - Conjugated Systems II: Pericyclic Reactions54
- Ch. 23 - Benzene I: Aromatic Stability and Substitution Reactions64
- Ch. 24 - Benzene II: Reactions Influenced by the Aromatic Ring62
- Ch. 25 - Amines: Structure, Reactions, and Synthesis27
- Ch. 26 - Amino Acids, Proteins, and Peptide Synthesis9
- Ch. 27 - Carbohydrates, Nucleic Acids, and Lipids54
Mullins1st EditionOrganic Chemistry: A Learner Centered ApproachISBN: 9780137566471Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 3, Problem 63d
Identify the stronger base in each pair. Explain your choice. Citing pKa values is not an acceptable answer.
(d) 
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of basicity. Basicity refers to the ability of a species to donate a pair of electrons to a proton (H⁺). Stronger bases are more willing to donate their electrons.
Step 2: Analyze the electronegativity of the atoms involved. Fluorine (F⁻) is highly electronegative, meaning it strongly attracts electrons and is less willing to donate them, making it a weaker base.
Step 3: Consider the structure of the tert-butoxide ion (O⁻ in the tert-butyl group). Oxygen is less electronegative than fluorine, so it is more willing to donate its electrons. Additionally, the bulky tert-butyl group provides steric hindrance, which can reduce the stability of the conjugate acid formed after protonation, favoring the base form.
Step 4: Evaluate the conjugate acid stability. The conjugate acid of F⁻ (HF) is very stable due to strong hydrogen bonding, while the conjugate acid of tert-butoxide (tert-butanol) is less stable, making tert-butoxide a stronger base.
Step 5: Conclude that the tert-butoxide ion is the stronger base compared to the fluoride ion because it is less electronegative and its conjugate acid is less stable, favoring the base form.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
4mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Acidity and Basicity
Acidity refers to the tendency of a compound to donate protons (H⁺ ions), while basicity is the tendency to accept protons. The strength of a base is often related to its ability to stabilize the negative charge after accepting a proton. Understanding the relationship between acids and bases is crucial for determining which compound in a pair is the stronger base.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:21
Understanding the difference between basicity and nucleophilicity.
Resonance Stabilization
Resonance stabilization occurs when a molecule can be represented by multiple valid Lewis structures, allowing for the delocalization of electrons. This delocalization can stabilize the negative charge on a base, making it a stronger base. Analyzing the resonance structures of the bases in question can help identify which one is more stable and thus a stronger base.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:43The radical stability trend.
Electronegativity and Inductive Effects
Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons, and it plays a significant role in determining the strength of a base. Atoms or groups that are more electronegative can withdraw electron density through inductive effects, making the conjugate base less stable. Evaluating the electronegativity of atoms in the base can provide insight into its strength relative to another base in the pair.
Recommended video:
Guided course
1:47Electronegativity
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Identify the stronger base in each pair. Explain your choice. Citing pKa values is not an acceptable answer.
(a)
3
views
Textbook Question
Identify the stronger acid in each pair. Explain your choice. Citing pKa values is not an acceptable answer.
(a)
1
views
Textbook Question
Benzoic acid and phenol are insoluble in water. When sodium bicarbonate is added to the water, benzoic acid dissolves, but phenol does not. The addition of sodium hydroxide causes both to dissolve. On the basis of these observations, estimate the pKa of phenol. [The pKa of H2CO3 is 6.4.]
1
views
Textbook Question
For the following acid–base pairs, (iii) predict the favored side of equilibrium; (iv) calculate Keq;
(h)
1
views
Textbook Question
Identify the stronger base in each pair. Explain your choice. Citing pKa values is not an acceptable answer.
(c)
1
views