Question

Which is more acidic Formic acid or Phenol?

Answer 1

1. Formic acid and Phenol are the organic compounds with chemical formula $\left(\mathrm{HCOOH}\right)$ and $\left({\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_6\mathrm{O}\right)$respectively.
2. In the case of Phenols they lose Hydrogen ion and this forms a negative charge on the Oxygen atom.
3. The delocalization of the negative charge in the Carbon ring occurs due to resonance.
4. This results in the formation of phenoxide ions.
5. The phenoxide ions become stable when the negative charge will move to the ortho and para position in the ring.
6. This shows the acidic characteristics of Phenols.
7. The conjugate base of Formic acid is ${\mathrm{HCOO}}^{-}$.
8. The formate ion is then stabilized by induction and resonance.
9. When comparing the Formic acid with Phenols, then the delocalized negative charge after losing its proton will become more delocalized, to stable the compound.
10. But in case of Phenoxide ions the Oxygen being more electronegative will have greater charge density even after delocalization.
11. Therefore, Formic acid is more acidic than Phenols.