Which is the strongest acid:
Correct answer: D. Fluoroacetic acid
- A. Ethanol
- B. Acetic acid
- C. Chloroacetic acid
- D. Fluoroacetic acid
Explanation
Fluoroacetic acid (FCH2COOH) is the strongest acid among the options provided. This is because it contains a highly electronegative fluorine atom directly attached to the carboxylic acid group. The presence of fluorine increases the acidity of the compound by stabilizing the negative charge on the carboxylate ion formed after donating a proton. Therefore, option d is correct.
This question appeared on the KMU Centralized Admission Test 2022 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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About Reactivity of Carboxylic Acids
Carboxylic acids show acidic behaviour because their carboxylate ions are resonance-stabilised, and electron-withdrawing groups can change their strength. Reactions include neutralisation, esterification, formation of acid chlorides and amides, reduction, decarboxylation and substitution at the acyl carbon, which differs from the reactions of phenols.
Practise Carboxylic Acids
550 free Carboxylic Acids MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
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