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Question
Which is a stronger acid: HCl or HF ?
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Solution
Answer :
In aqueous solution hydrochloric acid is unquestionably the STRONGER acid.
HX+H2O⇌H3O+++X−
Two factors are important here: (i) the strength of the H−X bond; and (ii) charge density of the anion,X− The H−X bond density stronger for H−F; the F− ion is smaller more polarizing than Cl−, and more likely to cause solvent order
Both enthalpy and entropy thus conspire to reduce the acidity of H−F with respect to the lower hydrogen halides.
Note that we can illustrate this effect practically. NaCl salts give a neutral solution; NaF salts give a slightly BASIC aqueous solution. Is this consistent with the acidities?
In aqueous solution hydrochloric acid is unquestionably the STRONGER acid.
HX+H2O⇌H3O+++X−
Two factors are important here: (i) the strength of the H−X bond; and (ii) charge density of the anion,X− The H−X bond density stronger for H−F; the F− ion is smaller more polarizing than Cl−, and more likely to cause solvent order
Both enthalpy and entropy thus conspire to reduce the acidity of H−F with respect to the lower hydrogen halides.
Note that we can illustrate this effect practically. NaCl salts give a neutral solution; NaF salts give a slightly BASIC aqueous solution. Is this consistent with the acidities?
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