Question

The acidic character in acetic acid is due to the presence of replaceable______atom in the carboxylic group.

• A. $H$
• B. $O$
• C. $H^{+}$
• D. $O^{-2}$

Answer 1

The correct option is A

$H$

Acetic acid is a carboxylic acid and the acidic character in carboxylic acid is due to the presence of the replaceable hydrogen atom in the carboxylic group.

$C{H}_3-\stackrel{\stackrel{O}{||}}{C}-OH\stackrel{H_{2}O}{\to }C{H}_3-\stackrel{\stackrel{O}{||}}{C}-O^{-}+H^{+}$

When we dissolve acetic acid in water, $H^{+}$ ions are generated which is responsible for its acidic character.