Arrange the following in increasing order of acid strength:

Correct answer: D. CH3COOH < CH₂CICOOH < CHCI₂COOH < CCI2COOH

  • A. CCI3COOH < CHCI₂COOH < CH₂CICOOH < CH3COOH
  • B. CHCI2COOH < CH₂CICOOH < CH3COOH < CCI2COOH
  • C. CH₂CICOOH < CH3COOH < CCI3COOH < CHCI₂COOH
  • D. CH3COOH < CH₂CICOOH < CHCI₂COOH < CCI2COOH

Explanation

Acidity is enhanced by the presence of electron-withdrawing groups. The strength of the acid increases with the number of electron-withdrawing chlorine atoms attached to the alpha-carbon, as they increasingly stabilize the conjugate base through the inductive effect.

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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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