Citrus fruits are rich in citric acid, a compound with three COOH groups. Explain the following:a. The first pKa (for the COOH group in the center of the molecule) is lower than the pKa of acetic acid.b. The third pKa is greater than the pKa of acetic acid.OHOCOHCCOOHC pKa = CH2 CH2 4.5 pKa = 5.8 pKa = 3.1

Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry
11th Edition
ISBN:9781285869759
Author:Frederick A. Bettelheim, William H. Brown, Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Omar Torres
Publisher:Frederick A. Bettelheim, William H. Brown, Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Omar Torres
Chapter20: Carbohydrates
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 20.86P
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question

Citrus fruits are rich in citric acid, a compound with three COOH groups. Explain the following:
a. The first pKa (for the COOH group in the center of the molecule) is lower than the pKa of acetic acid.
b. The third pKa is greater than the pKa of acetic acid.
O
HO
C
OH
C
C
O
OH
C

pKa = CH2 CH2 4.5 pKa = 5.8

pKa = 3.1

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Proteins
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry
Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781285869759
Author:
Frederick A. Bettelheim, William H. Brown, Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Omar Torres
Publisher:
Cengage Learning