Knowing that aniline (Problem \(15.158\) ) is a weak base, is its conjugate acid a weak acid or a strong acid?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Since aniline (C6H5NH2) is a weak base, its conjugate acid, C6H5NH3+, is expected to be a strong acid. However, it is not as strong as common strong acids like HCl or H2SO4. It is stronger than its conjugate base (aniline) but still relatively weak compared to other strong acids.

Step by step solution

01

Define aniline and its conjugate acid

Aniline is a weak base with the chemical formula C6H5NH2. When a weak base receives a proton (H+), it forms its conjugate acid. In this case, when aniline receives a proton, it becomes the cation C6H5NH3+.
02

The relationship between a weak base and its conjugate acid

The strength of a base is related to the strength of its conjugate acid, as they are inversely proportional. If a base is strong, its conjugate acid is weak, and if a base is weak, its conjugate acid is strong. This is due to the fact that a strong base is able to easily donate an H+ ion while its weak conjugate acid cannot.
03

Determine the nature of aniline's conjugate acid

Since aniline is a weak base, its conjugate acid, C6H5NH3+, is expected to be a strong acid. However, it is important to note that this does not mean it is as strong as common strong acids like HCl or H2SO4. It is stronger than its conjugate base (aniline), but still relatively weak compared to other strong acids.

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