Chapter 10, Problem 10.25EP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason why the formula of lactic acid is written as ${\text{HC}}_{\text{3}}{\text{H}}_{\text{5}}{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}$ rather than ${\text{C}}_{\text{3}}{\text{H}}_6{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}$ has to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Monoprotic acid:

Monoprotic acids are acids that can supply only one hydrogen ion during an acid–base reaction.

Example: $\text{HCl}$

Acidic hydrogen atom:

In an acid molecule, an acidic hydrogen atom is an atom that can be transferred or donated to a base in an acid–base reaction.  The other hydrogen atoms which cannot be transferred are nonacidic hydrogen atoms.