How do I know whether a base is strong or not?

  • Context: Chemistry 
  • Thread starter Thread starter simphys
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Base
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Determining whether a base is strong or weak can be assessed through its pKb value, similar to how pKa values are used for acids. Strong bases typically include alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, which are either fully dissociated or poorly soluble. The discussion highlights that while pKb values exist, they are less emphasized due to the predominance of strong bases in common hydroxides. Therefore, most metal hydroxides that do not hydrolyze can be considered strong bases due to their ability to generate OH- ions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of acid-base theory
  • Familiarity with pKa and pKb concepts
  • Knowledge of metal hydroxides and their properties
  • Basic chemistry concepts regarding solubility
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the pKb values of various metal hydroxides
  • Study the dissociation of alkali metal hydroxides in water
  • Explore the solubility rules for alkaline earth metal hydroxides
  • Investigate the relationship between hydroxide ion concentration and base strength
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and professionals interested in acid-base chemistry and the properties of metal hydroxides.

simphys
Messages
327
Reaction score
46
Homework Statement
that is the question.
Relevant Equations
chemistry
So I know that I can get whether an acid is strong or not from a table where if ##pK_a## < 0 than it is a strong acid, but there is no such table for bases, so how do I determine whether a base is strong or weak?

Also.. for metalhydroxides MOH, which will be strong and which are weak bases?
Thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
or.... do we consider all of the metalhydroxides (that do not hydrolise) to be strong bases because they will form OH- ions which is basically considered a strong base?
 
simphys said:
there is no such table for bases

Sure there are, how do you think I know pKb for ammonia is 4.75?

But you are right that Kb values for metal hydroxides are quite difficult to find. That's because they are not that important - most hydroxides are either very strong bases (alkali metal hydroxides are very strong, alkaline earth metal hydroxides are strong and almost fully dissociated, but poorly soluble) or so insoluble discussing their strength is a moot.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
7K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
6K