The correct sequence of acidic strength of the following aliphatic acids in their decreasing order is: CH3CH2COOH, CH3COOH, CH3CH2CH2COOH, HCOOH
- HCOOH > CH3CH2CH2COOH > CH3CH2COOH > CH3COOH
- HCOOH > CH3COOH > CH3CH2COOH > CH3CH2CH2COOH
- CH3CH2CH2COOH > CH3CH2COOH > CH3COOH > HCOOH
- CH3COOH > CH3CH2COOH > CH3CH2CH2COOH > HCOOH
Answer
(2) HCOOH > CH3COOH > CH3CH2COOH > CH3CH2CH2COOH
Solution
Alkyl groups release electrons (+I effect), which destabilises the carboxylate ion and lowers the acidity.
Since the +I effect increases as H < CH3 < C2H5 < C3H7, acidity falls in the same order:
HCOOH > CH3COOH > CH3CH2COOH > CH3CH2CH2COOH
Answer: (2)