Question:

Find the strongest carboxylic acid from the following:

Show Hint

Stronger –I effect → stronger acid due to stabilization of conjugate base.
Updated On: Jun 19, 2026
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding acidity trend.
Carboxylic acid strength increases with electron-withdrawing groups because they stabilize the carboxylate ion through the inductive effect.

Step 2: Effect of halogens.

Among halogens, fluorine is the most electronegative, so it shows the strongest \(-I\) effect. Chlorine and bromine show weaker electron-withdrawing effects comparatively.

Step 3: Comparing given acids.

- Benzoic acid: no strong \(-I\) group → weakest - Cl\(_2\)CCOOH: moderate \(-I\) effect - Br\(_3\)CCOOH: weaker than chlorine - F\(_3\)CCOOH: strongest \(-I\) effect

Step 4: Stability of conjugate base.

CF\(_3\) group strongly stabilizes the carboxylate ion, making trifluoroacetic acid the strongest acid among the options.

Step 5: Final conclusion.

Thus, F\(_3\)CCOOH has the highest acidity.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{F_3CCOOH} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0