Textbook Question
Butyric acid is responsible for the foul smell of rancid butter. The pKa of butyric acid is 4.84. (b) Calculate the pH of a 0.050 M solution of butyric acid.
Ch.16 - Acid-Base Equilibria
Chapter 16, Problem 111
Ritalin is the trade name of a drug, methylphenidate, usedto treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in youngadults. The chemical structure of methylphenidate is
(a) Is Ritalin an acid or a base? An electrolyte or a nonelectrolyte?
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the functional groups in the chemical structure of methylphenidate. Look for groups that can donate or accept protons (H+).
Step 2: Determine if the molecule has any acidic or basic functional groups. Acids typically have carboxyl groups (-COOH), while bases often have amine groups (-NH2).
Step 3: Assess the molecule's ability to dissociate in water. Electrolytes dissociate into ions in water, while nonelectrolytes do not.
Step 4: Compare the structure of methylphenidate to known acids, bases, electrolytes, and nonelectrolytes to make an informed decision.
Step 5: Conclude whether Ritalin (methylphenidate) is an acid or a base, and whether it is an electrolyte or a nonelectrolyte based on the functional groups and dissociation properties.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Acids and Bases
Acids are substances that can donate protons (H+) in a solution, while bases can accept protons. The strength of an acid or base is determined by its ability to dissociate in water. Understanding whether a compound behaves as an acid or a base is crucial for predicting its reactivity and interactions in biological systems.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:00
Arrhenius Acids and Bases
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are substances that dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, allowing the solution to conduct electricity. Strong electrolytes completely dissociate, while weak electrolytes partially dissociate. Identifying whether a compound is an electrolyte or nonelectrolyte is important for understanding its behavior in physiological conditions and its effects on cellular functions.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:50Electrolytes and Strong Acids
Chemical Structure and Functional Groups
The chemical structure of a compound, including its functional groups, determines its chemical properties and biological activity. For example, the presence of carboxylic acid groups (-COOH) can indicate acidic behavior, while amine groups (-NH2) can suggest basic properties. Analyzing the structure of methylphenidate is essential for determining its classification as an acid or base and its electrolyte nature.
Recommended video:
Guided course
00:41Functional Groups Example
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Butyric acid is responsible for the foul smell of rancid butter. The pKa of butyric acid is 4.84. (c) Calculate the pH of a 0.050 M solution of sodium butyrate.
Textbook Question
Arrange the following 0.10 M solutions in order of increasing acidity: (i) NH4NO3, (ii) NaNO3, (iii) CH3COONH4, (iv) NaF, (v) CH3COONa.
Textbook Question
The following observations are made about a diprotic acid H2A: (i) A 0.10 M solution of H2A has pH = 3.30. (ii) A 0.10 M solution of the salt NaHA is acidic. Which of the following could be the value of pKa2 for H2A: (i) 3.22, (ii) 5.30, (iii) 7.47, or (iv) 9.82?