Solution 29
- Page ID
- 10952
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In both cases, an OH bond dissociates into ions. Methoxide, the conjugate base of methanol, possesses a localized negative charge on oxygen. In contrast, the acetate ion has two resonance forms and is able to delocalize its charge onto a second oxygen atom. Thus in the acetate ion the negative charge is better accommodated, stabalizing acetate and making it the weaker base.