acidity of carboxylic acids

Question

Chloroacetic acid is stronger than acetic acid because:

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

The acidity of carboxylic acids increased by electron-withdrawing groups (EWG).
- **Acetic Acid** ($CH_3COOH$): The methyl group has a $+I$ effect, which slightly destabilizes the acetate ion.
- **Chloroacetic Acid** ($Cl-CH_2COOH$): Chlorine is highly electronegative and exerts a strong **Inductive Effect ($-I$)**.
- Stability: The $-I$ effect pulls electron density away from the carboxylate group ($COO^-$), dispersing the negative charge and stabilizing the conjugate base.
- Result: Chloroacetic acid releases a proton more readily, making it more acidic.

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acidity of carboxylic acids

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