Acidity Of Carboxylic Acids
Mediumchemistry
Chloroacetic acid is stronger than acetic acid because:
Select the correct option:
Solution
Incorrect! Answer:
-Cl shows -I effect stabilizing conjugate base
The acidity of carboxylic acids increased by electron-withdrawing groups (EWG).
- Acetic Acid (CH3COOH): The methyl group has a +I effect, which slightly destabilizes the acetate ion.
- Chloroacetic Acid (Cl−CH2COOH): 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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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- organic compounds containing oxygen
- Topic
- acidity of carboxylic acids
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
-Cl shows -I effect stabilizing conjugate base
The acidity of carboxylic acids increased by electron-withdrawing groups (EWG).
- Acetic Acid (CH3COOH): The methyl group has a +I effect, which slightly destabilizes the acetate ion.
- Chloroacetic Acid (Cl−CH2COOH): 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.
This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter organic compounds containing oxygen, covering the topic of acidity of carboxylic acids. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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