What is the pKa of HCl (aq)?

1 Answer
Jun 17, 2018

This is not measured in water....

Explanation:

..because in water, the protonolysis reaction is more or less quantitative...

HX(aq) + H_2O(l) rightleftharpoonsH_3O^+ + X^-

This site gives pK_a values of -8.08, -10.3, and -10.7 for HCl, HBr, and HI respectively. The order of acidity is what we would expect on the basis of hydrogen-halogen overlap. The other hydrogen halide, HF, is NOT a strong Bronsted acid for what reason?