Moderate

The strength of the organic acids and chloro substituted acids is measured by pKa scale such that smaller value of pKa corresponds to:

Correct answer: A. Stronger acid

  • A. Stronger acid
  • B. Weaker acid
  • C. Mild acid
  • D. Very weak acid

Explanation

Option A is correct. The strength of an organic acid is measured by its pKa value. The smaller the pKa value, the stronger the acid. The pKa scale is a measure of the acidity of a molecule. A lower pKa value means that the molecule is more acidic. In the case of organic acids, a lower pKa value means that the acid is more likely to donate a proton (H+). The reason why chloro substituted acids are stronger acids than their non-chlorinated counterparts is because the chlorine atoms withdraw electrons from the carbonyl group, making it more acidic. pKa∝1/acidity

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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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