Question

Phosphoric acid has 3 pka values, which are 2.1, 6.9, and 12.4. draw the protonated form of phosphoric acid associated with the reaction whose pka value is 12.4. draw only one resonance form. do not draw lone electron pairs.

Answer 1

As mentioned above, phosphoric acid has 3 pKa values, and after 3 ionization it gives 3 types of ions at different pKa values:

H₃PO₄(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇌ H₃O⁺(aq) + H₂PO₄⁻ (aq) pKₐ₁


H₂PO₄⁻(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇌ H₃O⁺(aq) + HPO₄²⁻ (aq) pKₐ₂


HPO₄²⁻(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇌ H₃O⁺(aq) + PO₄³⁻ (aq) pKₐ₃


At the highest pKa value (12.4) of phosphoric acid, the last OH group will lose its hydrogen. On the picture I attached, it is shown required protonated form of phosphoric acid before reaction whose pKa value is 12.4.