What is correct order of acidic strength?
Correct answer: B. Carboxylic acid > phenol > water > alcohol
- A. Carboxylic acid > alcohols > phenol > water
- B. Carboxylic acid > phenol > water > alcohol
- C. Water > alcohol > carboxylic acid > phenol
- D. Phenol > alcohol > water > carboxylic acid
Explanation
The acidic strength of a compound is determined by its ability to donate a proton (H+). The more stable the conjugate base formed after proton donation, the stronger the acid.Carboxylic acids are the strongest acids in the list because the carboxylate ion (RCOO-) is stabilized by resonance.Phenols are weaker acids than carboxylic acids because the phenoxide ion (C_6 H_5 O-) is also stabilized by resonance, but the resonance is less effective than in the carboxylate ion.Water is a weak acid because the hydroxide ion (OH-) is not as stable as the carboxylate or phenoxide ions.Alcohols are the weakest acids in the list because the alkoxide ion (RO-) is not stabilized by resonance and is highly basic.
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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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