(A) Substituting halogen atoms for hydrogen atoms bound to carbon increases the strength of carboxylic acids. Show that the pH of 0.100 M CH₂FCOOH, fluoroacetic acid, is lower than that calculated in Example 16-8 for 0.100 M CH₃COOH.

(B) Acetylsalicylic acid, C₆H₄(OOCCH₃)COOH, is an organic acid (general formula RCOOH) and the active component in aspirin. This acid is the cause of the stomach upset some people get when taking aspirin. Two extra strength aspirin tablets, each containing 500 mg of acetylsalicylic acid, are dissolved in 325 mL of water. What is the pH of this solution?

Example 16-8

Show by calculation that the pH of 0.100 M CH₃COOH should be about the value shown on the pH meter in Figure 16-6; that is, pH ≈ 2.8.

Figure 16-6

Transcribed Image Text:

CH₂FCOOH + H₂O → H3O+ + CH₂FCOO™ Ka = 2.6 × 10-3