Lactic acid, CH₃CH(OH)CO₂H, is a weak acid that dissociates in water according to the equation CH₃CH(OH)CO₂H(aq) + H₂O(l) $\rightarrow$ CH₃CH(OH)CO₂^-(aq) + H₃O⁺(aq). What species are in the aqueous solution of 0.1 M lactic acid? A) CH₃CH(OH)CO₂H only B) CH₃CH(OH)CO₂H primarily but some H₃O⁺ and CH₃CH(OH)CO₂^- C) H₃O⁺ and CH₃CH(OH)CO₂^- only D) H₃O⁺ and CH₃CH(OH)CO₂^- primarily but some CH₃CH(OH)CO₂H

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lactic acid is a weak acid, so it does not dissociate completely in water. The majority of the species in the solution will be CH3CH(OH)CO2H, but there will also be some H3O+ and CH3CH(OH)CO2- ions.

Lactic Acid, CH3CH(OH)CO2H, Is a Weak Acid That Dissociates in Water

Lactic Acid, CH₃CH(OH)CO₂H, Is a Weak Acid That Dissociates in Water