Question

Which of the following correctly lists the compounds in order of decreasing acidity?

A) H2O > HCCH > NH3 > CH3CH3
B) HCCH > H2O > NH3 > CH3CH3
C) CH3CH3 > HCCH > NH3 > H2O
D) CH3CH3 > HCCH > H2O > NH3
E) H2O > NH3 > HCCH > CH3CH3

Answer 1

A) H2O > HCCH > NH3 > CH3CH3

Step-by-step explanation:

H2O is known as a neural compound which a pH close to 7.0. This however makes it more acidic due to it having the lowest pH when compared to the others in the option.

The other options however have their acidic strength as follows: HCCH > NH3 > CH3CH3. This explains why the pattern of decreasing acidic strength is H2O > HCCH > NH3 > CH3CH3