Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
pKa and pKb Relationship
The pKa and pKb values are related through the equation pKa + pKb = 14 at 25°C. The pKa represents the acidity of a compound, while pKb indicates its basicity. For a conjugate acid-base pair, knowing one value allows the calculation of the other, which is essential for understanding the strength of acids and bases.
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Conjugate Acids and Bases
A conjugate acid is formed when a base accepts a proton (H+), while a conjugate base is what remains after an acid donates a proton. In this context, morpholine acts as a base, and its conjugate acid is formed when it accepts a proton. Understanding this relationship is crucial for calculating pKa from pKb.
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Morpholine Structure and Properties
Morpholine is a cyclic amine with a nitrogen atom in its structure, which contributes to its basic properties. The presence of the nitrogen atom allows morpholine to accept protons, making it a base. Its pKb value of 5.6 indicates its strength as a base, which is important for determining the pKa of its conjugate acid.
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