conjugate base of a weak acid

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EtOH is a (very) weak acid (Pka =~ 15). Its conjugate base (EtO-) is a strong base.

CH3COOH is also a weak acid (not as weak as ethanol). Its conjugate base is a weak base.

So, the conjugate base of VERY weak acids (PKa>14) is strong, and the conjugate base of weak acids (1<PKa<14) is weak. The conjugate base of strong acids (e.g., HI) is a weak base (I-).


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^ Bingo. There is a distinction, which is not always made clear, between weak acids (that lead to weak conjugate bases) and very weak acids (that lead to strong conjugate bases).
 

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