Which of the following is strongest acid among these?
Correct answer: A. Benzoic acid
- A. Benzoic acid
- B. Phenol
- C. Acetic acid
- D. Water
Explanation
Benzoic acid is the strongest acid among the options provided because the benzene ring allows for resonance stabilization of the carboxylate ion after deprotonation, enhancing its acidity. Phenol, although it has some acidity due to the hydroxyl group, does not benefit from the same degree of resonance stabilization. Acetic acid, while a carboxylic acid, lacks the aromatic ring that contributes to the increased acidity in benzoic acid. Water is neutral and lacks significant acidity, as it does not contain any acidic functional groups comparable to the other options.
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About Acids, Bases and Salts
Acid and base behaviour is explained through the Bronsted-Lowry transfer of protons and the Lewis donation or acceptance of electron pairs. The topic includes pH, pOH, ionisation and water equilibrium, plus salt formation and hydrolysis, where a salt solution may become acidic, basic or neutral.
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