Question

Which one is the most acidic in nature --- formic acid, acetic acid ,propanoic acid and phenol??

Answer 1

Formic acid is more acidic in nature.

It is because of the indutive effect. Longer hydrocarbon chain would push more electrons towards the carboxylic group, and hence release of proton ( H+) would be difficult, and easier the release of proton, stronger the a acid.