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Question

Which of the following acid is the strongest acid?


A

CH3COOH

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B

HCOOH

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C

(CH3)3CCOOH

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D

(CH3)2CHCOOH

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Solution

The correct option is B

HCOOH


Explanation for the correct option:

(B) HCOOH

  • The simplest carboxylic acid is formic acid, also known scientifically as methanoic acid.
  • It has a chemical formula HCOOH.
  • It occurs naturally, most notably in certain ants.
  • In the case of carboxylic acids, a positive inductive effect (+I-effect) is present due to the electron-donating tendency of alkyl groups.
  • The +I effect increases with the presence of a higher number of alkyl groups. This +I effect reduces the acidity.
  • In formic acid, there is no alkyl group present.
  • Thus, formic acid is the strongest acid among acetic, propanoic, and pivalic acids.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

(A) CH3COOH

  • Acetic acid is officially known as ethanoic acid.
  • It is an organic molecule with a chemical formula CH3COOH that is acidic and colorless.
  • In acetic acid, one alkyl group is present, thus it is less acidic than formic acid due to +I effect.

(C) (CH3)3CCOOH

  • The chemical formula for pivalic acid is (CH3)3CCO2H.
  • Pivalic acid has more than one alkyl group present, thus it is less acidic than acetic acid due to more +I effect.

(D) CH3CH2CO2H

  • Propionic acid has a chemical formula CH3CH2CO2H.
  • Propionic acid has more than one alkyl group present, thus it is less acidic than acetic acid due to more +I effect.

Therefore, the correct option is (B) HCOOH


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