Question

Predict the direction in which the equilibrium will lie for the reactionC6H5COO- + HF C6H5COOH + F-.Ka(C6H5COOH) = 6.5 x 10-5; Ka(HF) = 7.1 x 10-4In the middleTo the rightTo the left

Answer 1

Answer:

Equilibrium will lie to the right.

Explanation:

$K_{a}(HF)> K_{a}(C_{6}H_{5}COOH)$

That means HF is stronger acid than $C_{6}H_{5}COOH$.

Alternatively, it can be said that $C_{6}H_{5}COO^{-}$ is a stronger base than $F^{-}$.

Therefore HF readily gives proton to $C_{6}H_{5}COO^{-}$ to form $C_{6}H_{5}COOH$ and $F^{-}$ than the reverse reaction.

So, the equilibrium will lie more towards the right i.e. towards formation of $C_{6}H_{5}COOH$ and $F^{-}$.