Question Detail
Question
What is the pKa of water compared to a terminal alkyne?
Correct Answer
Option B is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
Water has pKa ≈ 15.7, while a terminal alkyne has pKa ≈ 25. Water is a stronger acid; thus, NaOH cannot deprotonate a terminal alkyne.
Hint
Lower pKa = stronger acid.