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The basicity of these compounds can be compared by looking at the stability of their conjugate acids. Here's a breakdown:
Potassium hydroxide (KOH): The conjugate acid is water (H₂O). Water is a very stable molecule, making hydroxide a strong base.
Potassium ethylate (C₂H₅OK): The conjugate acid is ethanol (C₂H₅OH). Ethanol is also a stable molecule, but slightly less stable than water. This makes potassium ethylate a slightly weaker base than potassium hydroxide.
Potassium acetate (CH₃COOK): The conjugate acid is acetic acid (CH₃COOH). Acetic acid is a weaker acid than ethanol, making potassium acetate a weaker base than potassium ethylate.
In summary: KOH > C₂H₅OK > CH₃COOK in terms of basicity.