Question

What is the chemical equation for the ionization of benzoic acid?

Answer 1

`C_6H_5CO_2H(aq) + H_2O(l) rightleftharpoons C_6H_5CO_2^(-) + H_3O^+`

Explanation:

See this site. A `pK_a=4.202` is reported. For acetic acid, `H_3C-CO_2H`, `pK_a=4.76`. Can you explain why benzoic acid is a stronger acid than acetic acid?