Chemistry: The Central Science (13th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321910419
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-041-7

Chapter 16 - Acid-Base Equilibria - Exercises - Page 720: 16.89c

Answer

$HP{O_4}^{2-}$ is the stronger base.

Work Step by Step

The weaker the acid, the stronger its conjugate base. Therefore, if we determine which conjugate acid is weaker, we will get the stronger base: Conjugate acids: $H_2P{O_4}^-$ and $H_3PO_4$; Since it is easier to take a proton from a neutral compound, $H_3PO_4$ is the stronger acid, and $H_2P{O_4}^-$ is the weaker, which makes $HP{O_4}^{2-}$ the stronger base.
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