Is Kc larger, equal to, or less than 1?

Question

OH- + CH3OH <=> H2O+ CH3O-

Answer 1

The Kc would be less than one because the reactants would be favoured. The reason the reactant would be favoured is that  a reaction proceeds to the greater extent in the direction in which the stronger acid and stronger base forms a weaker acid and weaker base. The reaction is:

OH- + CH3OH &lt;--&gt; H2O + CH3O-

The reaction favours the weaker acid and base. OH- is a strong base but CH3O- is a stronger base. H2O is a weak acid but CH3OH is a weaker acid. Don&#039;t forget the reaction favours weak acids and weak bases so

weaker base + weaker acid &lt;-- stronger acid + stronger base

The reaction would favor reactants so Kc is less than one.