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Multiple Choice
Rank the following organic compounds in the order of increasing pKa.
A
a < e < d < c < b
B
d < e < a < c < b
C
d < a < e < c < b
D
b < c < e < a < d
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1
Identify the functional groups present in each compound: a) cyclohexene (alkene), b) acetic acid (carboxylic acid), c) cyclobutanol (alcohol), d) tetrahydrofuran (ether), e) propargylamine (amine).
Recall the general pKa ranges for these functional groups: carboxylic acids (~4-5), alcohols (~16-18), amines (~35), alkenes (~44), and ethers (similar to alkanes, ~50).
Rank the compounds based on the acidity of their functional groups, from most acidic (lowest pKa) to least acidic (highest pKa).
Compare the acidity of the compounds: b (carboxylic acid) is the most acidic, followed by c (alcohol), e (amine), a (alkene), and d (ether).
Conclude the ranking order based on increasing pKa: b < c < e < a < d.