In a subject like chemistry, in which you study hundreds of chemical compounds, there is a need for classification, based on their inherent characteristics. This classification makes it easier to study the similarities and differences between them. One such broad classification criteria for chemical compounds is differentiating them into acids and bases. This article focuses on explaining what are weak acids in particular.
What are Acids?
Of the many characteristics which mark the nature of any chemical, the most important is its acidic or basic nature, as it decides the way in which that chemical will react with other substances. Before we talk about what are weak acids, it’s essential that you know what are acids and how are acids identified. As chemistry has advanced in its theoretical foundation, the definition of what is an acid, has evolved with time. Acids were defined to be compounds that release hydrogen ions when dissolved in water.
They could also be defined as chemicals that release protons in a water solution, or act as proton donors. More generally, acids are chemical compounds which are typified by their preference to accept an electron pair from reacting substances. When any chemical compound satisfies this condition, it’s known as a Lewis acid.
How are acids identified? There are several ways of determining whether a specific compound is an acid or base. One of the simplest ways of differentiating a substance as an acid is to run the litmus test. In acids, a blue litmus will turn red. Another way of determining whether a substance is acidic or basic, is to measure its pH. If the pH value is less than 7, it’s an acid.
What are Weak Acids?
Now that you know what are acids, we can talk about weak acids, which are a subset of generally acidic chemicals. A weak acid is incapable of getting completely ionized in a water solution and releases a lesser amount of hydrogen ions, compared to strong acids. Due to the peculiar nature of chemical bonds in weak acids, protons or Hydrogen ions are not released easily in an aqueous solution.
The strength of an acid, or its ability to release hydrogen ions, is measured in terms of the acid dissociation constant (Ka). These acids have a very low Ka value compared to strong acids. In the next section, you’ll find examples of weak acids.
Weak Acids List
One of the prime tasks in organic or inorganic chemistry, is the determination of the acidic or basic character of any chemical compound. Here is a list of weak acids which are commonly used in laboratories. They are characterized by their weak dissociation of the hydrogen ion.