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Estimation of the Approximate Ionization Constants of Inorganic Bases

Abstract

MOST of the common acidic compounds can be classed as derivatives of the hydrides: Within any of these classes, large differences in the free energies of ionization (ΔG0 = − RT logeK for the reaction BH → B + H+ in dilute aqueous solution at 25° C.) can usually be attributed1,2 to the presence of charges in the near neighbourhood of the dissociating proton. Each charge on the atom next to the one bearing the dissociating proton will decrease the value of ΔG0 by about 14 kgm.cal. if positive and will increase ΔG0 by about 14 kgm.cal. if negative. The effect of a charge upon ΔG0 is reduced when it is situated farther from the dissociating proton and ± 14(Q/2n kgm.cal. has to be added to ΔG0 to account for the effect of a charge, where n is the number of atoms between the atom bearing the charge and the dissociating proton2,3.

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McGOWAN, J. Estimation of the Approximate Ionization Constants of Inorganic Bases. Nature 168, 601–602 (1951). https://doi.org/10.1038/168601a0

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