Why do weak acids partially dissociate ?

1 Answer
Jan 25, 2016

Consider the typical equilibrium:

HA+H2OH3O++A

If the HA bond is STRONG, then the acid should be weak, and the equilibrium lies to LEFT.

Explanation:

All acid-base behaviour is qualified by the identity of the solvent. In water (the most common and convenient solvent) we rationalize acid/base behaviour by invoking H3O+ and HO ions as the characteristic cation and anion of the SOLVENT.

For a given acid series HA, we might consider the strength of the HA bond as the determinant. Let's look at the strength of the HX bond:

HF; 570 mol1

HCl; 432 mol1

HBr; 366 mol1

HI; 298 mol1

The weakest bond, HI, is also the STRONGEST acid. The weakest acid, HF, has the strongest bond. Of course, entropy approximations are important too, as the small fluoride ion is definitely entropically DISFAVOURED (as it is smaller and more polarizing). So the answer to your question is that, for weak acids, the hydrogen-hetero-atom bond should be relatively strong. (This assumes "all things being equal" , which they never are!)