1.

Suggest a reason why HF is a weak acid, whereas binary acids of the all other halogens are strong acids.

Answer»

The hydrogen halides are extremely soluble in water due to the ionisation. 

X + H2O → H3O+ + X-

(X = F, Cl, Br or I)

Solutions of hydrogen halides are therefore acidic and known as hydrohalic acids. Hydrochloric, hydrobromic and hydroiodic acids are almost completely ionised and are therefore strong acids but HF is a weak acid. For HF,

  • HF + H2O ⇌ H3O+ + F- 
  • HF + F- → HF2-

At high concentration, the equilibrium involves the removal of fluoride ions is important. Since it affects the dissociation of hydrogen fluoride, therefore it is a weak acid.



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