Chemical Forums

Specialty Chemistry Forums => Biochemistry and Chemical Biology Forum => Topic started by: paperclip on August 23, 2005, 01:35:52 AM

Title: Acetic acid
Post by: paperclip on August 23, 2005, 01:35:52 AM

Need the facts.

Prediction 1: Acetic acid will not become more acidic with time. It will come to an equilibrium.

Prediction 2: Acetic acid will be more acidic when cold than when warm. But it will still be at an equilibrium at each temperature.

True or false?

Title: Re:Acetic acid
Post by: gregpawin on August 23, 2005, 07:09:07 AM

So what do you think?  50/50 odds here.

Title: Re:Acetic acid
Post by: paperclip on August 23, 2005, 09:14:16 AM

I think that both are TRUE.  :P

Title: Re:Acetic acid
Post by: gregpawin on August 24, 2005, 04:26:56 AM

I dunno.... equilibrium is such a loaded word... it really implies a lot... but in general, wait long enough or if the rate of reaction is very fast, you will reach equilibrium.

Generally, things become more acidic when heated because the acidic proton breaks off from thermal collisions... and yes again you will reach equilibrium as long as you let the reaction go and not change anything else, including the temperature.