For the given compounds:
(a) m-methoxybenzoic acid
(b) benzoic acid
(c) p-methoxybenzoic acid
Choose the correct option(s):
A
m-Methoxybenzoic acid is more acidic than p-methoxybenzoic acid
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B
m-Methoxybenzoic acid is the least acidic
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C
Benzoic acid is more acidic than p-methoxybenzoic acid
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D
Benzoic acid is the most acidic
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Solution
The correct option is C Benzoic acid is more acidic than p-methoxybenzoic acid The methoxy group in the para position destabilizes the carboxylate ion and stabilizes the acid by the resonance effect. In case of meta position the methoxy group withdraws electrons by the inductive effect. So m-methoxy benzoic acid is most acidic in nature.
Now benzoic acid is more acidic than p-methoxy benzoic acid.
Thus the acidity order will be m-methoxy benzoic acid > benzoic acid > p-methoxy benzoic acid.