Question

$C{H}_{3}CO{O}^{-}$ ion is a:

• A. weak conjugate base
• B. strong conjugate base
• C. weak conjugate acid
• D. strong conjugate acid

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

strong conjugate base

Acetic acid $\left(C{H}_{3}COOH\right)$ is a weak acid.

In water it dissociates partially into hydrogen ion $H^{+}$ and the acetate ion $C{H}_{3}CO{O}^{-1}$. The acetate ion thus formed is a conjugate base of acetic acid.

Strong acids have a weaker conjugate base whereas weak acids have a strong conjugate base.

Since acetic acid is a weak acid, it's conjugate base is strong in nature.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).