Question

Which is more acidic Benzoic acid or Formic acid?

Answer 1

1. Benzoic acid and Formic acid are organic chemical compounds.
2. The chemical formula of Formic acid is $\left(\mathrm{HCOOH}\right)$, whereas the chemical formula of Benzoic acid is ${\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{COOH}$.
3. According to Bronsted Lowry's concept acids are the proton donor species while bases are the proton acceptor species.
4. The deprotonation of acids produces a conjugate base.
5. The conjugate base of Formic acid is ${\mathrm{HCOO}}^{-}$.
6. The conjugate base of Benzoic acid is ${\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_5{\mathrm{COO}}^{-}$.
7. The acidity is based on the stability of the conjugate base, and the conjugate base of Formic acid is much more stable than Benzoic acid.
8. The stabilization of the conjugate base of Benzoic acid will depend on resonance, and so Formic acid is much more acidic than Benzoic acid.