Neutralization reaction

[DingDongD]

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Hi, I am kind of lost on neutralization reactions and wanted to make sure I was thinking of it properly.

So, for a strong base and weak acid reaction, is this how it goes?

KOH -> K+ OH-
OH- + HF -> H20 + F-

Resulting in a total equation of : KOH + HF -> H20 + KF

My question is why does not it go this way:

HF -> H+ + F-
KOH -> K+ OH-

Then, H+ and OH- -> H20

Why does the HF react with OH-, instead of water? Is it because OH- is a stronger base than water?

 

[Cawolf]

HF is not a strong acid and water is not a strong base.

These will not react in a fashion that will drive the reaction. The reaction with hydroxide is much more kinetically favorable.

 

[DingDongD]

Thank you! That really helped.