Question:

Which of the following acid is highly acidic?

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Electron-withdrawing groups increase acidity; electron-donating groups decrease acidity.
Updated On: Apr 24, 2026
  • Fluoroacetic acid
  • Formic acid
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Benzoic acid
  • Acetic acid.
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Acidity of carboxylic acids is increased by electron-withdrawing groups (-I effect) which stabilize the carboxylate anion.

Step 2:
Detailed Explanation:
Dichloroacetic acid (Cl2CHCOOH) has two Cl atoms (strong -I effect) → most acidic.
Fluoroacetic acid: One F atom, but F has less -I effect than Cl? Actually F has stronger -I, but here Cl2CH vs FCH2 — two Cl vs one F makes Cl2CHCOOH more acidic.
Formic acid (HCOOH) is more acidic than acetic acid (CH3COOH) due to +I effect of CH3.
Benzoic acid (C6H5COOH) is weaker than formic due to resonance but stronger than acetic.
Order: Dichloroacetic$>$Fluoroacetic$>$Formic$>$Benzoic$>$Acetic.

Step 3:
Final Answer:
Dichloroacetic acid is the most acidic.
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