Boric acid is a weak acid in aqueous solution. But its acidity increases significantly in the presence of… · ABC26IN0182

Subject: Inorganic Chemistry · Chapter: Main Group Elements · Topic: Main Group Elements – General · Exam: CSIR NET 2012 · Marks: 2 · Difficulty: Medium

Boric acid is a weak acid in aqueous solution. But its acidity increases significantly in the presence of ethylene glycol, because
(a)ethylene glycol releases additional $\mathrm{H^+}$
(b)$\mathrm{B(OH)_4^-}$ is consumed in forming a compound with ethylene glycol.
(c)ethylene glycol neutralizes $\mathrm{H^+}$ released by boric acid.
(d)Boric acid dissociates better in the mixed-solvent.
Answer
Answer (as printed): B
Explanation
B(OH)3 +OH- ↔ [B(OH)4 ]- (reversible reaction) In presence of ethylene glycol, B(OH)4- is consumed as shown below and boric acid behaves as strong acid.

Explanation as extracted from the printed page; notation may be imperfect.

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