Stronger base h or a

Question

Given that the ka = 1.8 x 10-5 for acetic acid and the ka = 3.5 x 10-8 for hypchlorous acid, which is the stonger base, hypochlorite or acetate?

Answer 1

K_a x K_b = K_w = 1.0 x 10^-14

Based on this mathematical relationship, K_a and K_b are inversely proportional. The higher the value one is, the lower the value the other is, and vice-versa. Thus, because hypochlorous acid has a smaller K_a then acetic acid:

3.5 x 10^-8 < 1.8 x 10^-5

This means that hypochlorous acid's conjugate base, hypochlorite, has a greater K_b that acetate, the conjugate base of acetic acid. Thus:

Hypochlorite is the stronger base.