Moderate

Which one will act as a strong acid?

Correct answer: C. Trichloroethanoic acid

  • A. Chloroethanoic acid
  • B. Ethanoic acid
  • C. Trichloroethanoic acid
  • D. Dichloroethanoic acid

Explanation

Chloro groups cause an inductive effect(-I). i.e it is a withdrawing group because it is more electronegative than carbon to which it is attached. -Cl groups pull the bonded electrons from carbon and carbon in turn pulls the electron pair from hydrogen of -COOH group causing more electron deficiency on hydrogen. hydrogen becomes more partially positive hence more acidic. greater the withdrawing effect greater will be polarity and acidity. Since trichloro substituted acetic acid has greater no. of withdrawing groups (3 chloro groups)so it will be more polar and more acidic.

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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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