Three Acids Found in Foods Are Lactic Acid (In Milk

Multiple Choice

Three acids found in foods are lactic acid (in milk products) , oxalic acid (in rhubarb) , and malic acid (in apples) . The pK_a values are LA = 3.88, OA = 1.23, and MA = 3.40. Which list has the conjugate bases of these acids in order of decreasing strength?

A) lactate > oxalate > malate
B) oxalate > malate > lactate
C) lactate > malate > oxalate
D) oxalate > lactate > malate
E) malate > lactate > oxalate