Question
Rank the given compounds based on their relative Brønsted acidities. H-I, H-F, H-SH, H-NH2, H-CH3.
I thought it correlated with whichever element was more electronegative was also more acidic. An explanation would be much appreciated.
I thought it correlated with whichever element was more electronegative was also more acidic. An explanation would be much appreciated.
Answers
DrBob222
It correlates from left to right on the periodic table with electronegative (i.e., HF is a stronger acid than HNH2). It correlates up and down in the periodic table with size (i.e., HI is a stronger acid than HF). So CH4 should be the weakest acid and HI should be the strongest.