To determine which of the given acids produces the strongest conjugate base, we need to look at their pKa values. The stronger the acid, the weaker its conjugate base. The strength of the conjugate base increases as the pKa of the acid increases. This is because a higher pKa indicates a weaker acid and, consequently, a stronger conjugate base.
Let’s consider the given options:
- a) HClO, pKa 7.53
- b) HCOOH, pKa 3.75
- c) HIO, pKa 10.64
- d) CH3COOH, pKa 4.75
- e) HF, pKa 3.45
Now, we can analyze the pKa values:
- HClO has a pKa of 7.53, which suggests a relatively weak acid.
- HCOOH (formic acid) has a pKa of 3.75, indicating it is a stronger acid.
- HIO has the highest pKa of 10.64, making it the weakest acid in this list.
- CH3COOH (acetic acid) has a pKa of 4.75, indicating it is stronger than HClO and HCOOH, but still weaker than HIO.
- HF has a pKa of 3.45, indicating it is also a strong acid.
Since we are looking for the strongest conjugate base, we identify the acid with the highest pKa, which is HIO (pKa 10.64). Thus, HIO produces the strongest conjugate base among the given options.
Answer: c) HIO (pKa 10.64)