Question:

Which of the following is the strongest carboxylic acid?

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An electron withdrawing Cl on the alpha carbon increases acidity.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}\)
  • \(\text{HCOOH}\)
  • \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{-COOH}\)
  • \(\text{ClCH}_2\text{COOH}\)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Acid strength depends on how well the carboxylate anion is stabilised. Electron withdrawing groups stabilise it, electron donating alkyl groups destabilise it.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation
\(\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}\) and \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{COOH}\) have electron donating alkyl groups, so they are weaker. \(\text{HCOOH}\) has no donor, so it is stronger than acetic acid.
In \(\text{ClCH}_2\text{COOH}\), the strongly electronegative Cl shows a \(-I\) effect and pulls electron density, stabilising the anion greatly. So chloroacetic acid is the strongest.

Final Answer:
Chloroacetic acid is the strongest, option (D). \[ \boxed{\text{ClCH}_2\text{COOH}} \]
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