Why is a Phosphate Functional Group Acidic?

[doitfortheppl]

Hello, could someone explain to me why a phosphate functional group has an acidic characteristic? Thank you for your time!

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[lazyindy]

the phosphoric acid, H3PO4 is one of the strongest acids that you should have memorized. It dissociates readily to give H2PO4-, and further dissociates to HPO4 (2-), and again to PO4 (3-).

The reason why a phosphate group is so acidic is because of the polarization of the molecule. Think about it, the phosphorus group is bonded to 4 oxygen molecules, all of which are highly electronegative. In case a hydrogen is bonded to a PO4 molecule such as HPO4 (2-) for example, the bond between the O and the H is easily cleaved because of the large polarity (O being more electronegative than H). so O ---- H is broken easily, yielding H+ ions in solution.

 

[Confused1617]

In addition to polarity, resonance makes the phosphate stable enough to readily give up that H.

 

[lazyindy]

In addition to polarity, resonance makes the phosphate stable enough to readily give up that H.

oh yes. forgot about that, nice catch.

 

[shaidester]

In addition to polarity, resonance makes the phosphate stable enough to readily give up that H.

Good ol' CARDIO

 

[doitfortheppl]

Thanks guys!

 

[dental deezle]

its because metals and non metals tend to form basic salts , non-metals and non metals tend to form acidic salts