Moderate

Carboxylic acid is more acidic than phenol because of the greater stability of:

Correct answer: D. Carboxylate ion

  • A. carboxylic acid
  • B. proton
  • C. phenoxide ion
  • D. Carboxylate ion

Explanation

Option D correctly identifies the reason for the higher acidity of carboxylic acids. When a carboxylic acid (RCOOH) loses a proton, it forms a carboxylate ion (RCOO-) and releases a hydrogen ion (H+). The carboxylate ion (RCOO-) is stabilized by resonance, which distributes the negative charge over two oxygen atoms. This resonance stabilization makes the carboxylate ion more stable compared to the phenoxide ion formed from phenols.

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About Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids are named and studied through the combined effects of the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, their preparation, acidity and hydrogen bonding. Reactions include neutralisation, esterification, reduction and conversion into acid chlorides, anhydrides, esters and amides, with emphasis on how these derivatives interconvert.

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