Acetic Acid (CH₃COOH) Has a PK_a of 4

question 19

Multiple Choice

Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) has a pK_a of 4.74, while ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH) has a pK_a of about 16. Which molecule is more acidic?

• A) acetic acid, because it has a higher pK_a
• B) acetic acid, because it has a lower pK_a
• C) ethanol, because it has a higher pK_a
• D) ethanol, because it has a lower pK_a
• E) They have the same acidity.