The data below compare the strength of acetic acid with a related series of acids, where the H atoms of the CH₃ group in acetic acid are successively replaced by Br.

(a) What trend in acid strength do you observe as H is successively replaced by Br? Can you suggest a reason for this trend?
(b) Suppose each of the acids above was present as a 0.10 M aqueous solution. Which would have the highest pH? The lowest pH?

Transcribed Image Text:

Acid pk₂ 4.74 CH3CO₂H BrCH₂CO₂H 2.90 Br₂CHCO₂H 1.39 Br3CCO₂H -0.147