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Question
Among formic acid, acetic acid, propanoic acid and phenol, the strongest acid in water is:
Among formic acid, acetic acid, propanoic acid and phenol, the strongest acid in water is:
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Solution
The correct option is A formic acid
Usually carboxylic acids are more acidic than phenol.
In case of carboxylic acids, positive inductive effect (+I-effect) reduces the acidic strength due to the electron donating tendency of alkyl groups. This is because the +I effect destabilises the conjugate anion which results in relatively increased O-H bond strength, thus making it less acidic.
Therefore among given alkyl carboxylic acids, the one with least alkyl group will be more acidic. Hence formic acid is strongest.
Acidity order is: Formic acid > Acetic acid > Propionic acid > Phenol
Usually carboxylic acids are more acidic than phenol.
In case of carboxylic acids, positive inductive effect (+I-effect) reduces the acidic strength due to the electron donating tendency of alkyl groups. This is because the +I effect destabilises the conjugate anion which results in relatively increased O-H bond strength, thus making it less acidic.
Therefore among given alkyl carboxylic acids, the one with least alkyl group will be more acidic. Hence formic acid is strongest.
Acidity order is: Formic acid > Acetic acid > Propionic acid > Phenol
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