Acid-Base Chemistry and Conjugate Base Stability

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to acid-base equilibrium, conjugate base stabilization factors, and the ARIO framework.

ARIO Framework

An acronym representing Atom (elemental), Resonance, Induction, and Orbital (hybridization), used as a general guide to compare conjugate base stability and determine relative acidity.

Conjugate Base

The species formed when an acid donates a proton; the more stable this species is, the higher the acidity of its corresponding acid.

Conjugate Acid

The species formed when a base accepts a proton from an acid.

Resonance Effect

The stabilization of a conjugate base achieved when a negative charge is spread out across multiple atoms, making the molecule less reactive and more stable.

Inductive Effect

The stabilization of a overall molecule by electron-withdrawing groups (such as chlorine or bromine) pulling electron density through bonds, rather than holding the charge directly.

Electron Withdrawing Group (EWG)

An electronegative atom or group (such as chlorine, fluorine, or bromine) that pulls electron density toward itself, stabilizing a conjugate base through induction.

Electron Donating Group

A group (such as methyl or alkyl groups) that donates electron density, decreasing the relative stability of a conjugate base.

Orbital Effect

A factor in stability where negative charge residing in orbitals closer to the positively charged nucleus is held more captive and is therefore more stable.

pKa of Water

The acidity constant value for water, specifically cited as approximately $15.6$ to $15.7$.