Question

Given the table of pKa values (see attachment in reply), at a pH of 3.5, which substance(s) exist predominantly in the non-protonated form?

Answer 1

If possible, could you draw out a graph to visualize/explain the problem?

Answer 2

Being at a lower pH than the pKa means the acid will act as an acid and dissociate.

Answer 3

Do you know what that means in terms of protonated vs non-protonated forms?

Answer 4

I do not!

Answer 5

Protonated means with the hydrogen and nonprotonated means with out the hydrogen. So, protonated would also be described as the acid and nonprotonated would be the conjugate base.

Answer 6

Acids that are at a pH of less than their pKa will dissociate to be primarily in their ion forms. Note that strong acids dissociate completely.