Identify the correct order of acidic strength for the indicated hydrogen atom in the following compounds: (I) (II) (III)

Step-by-step solution

The acidic strength of the indicated hydrogen atom depends on the stability of the conjugate base (carbanion) formed after the removal of the proton ( H^+ ). When the proton is removed from the C2 position, a negative charge is generated on the carbon atom between the two heteroatoms. In compound (I), the carbanion is flanked by two oxygen atoms. Oxygen is highly electronegative and exerts a -I effect, but it lacks vacant d-orbitals. Thus, it cannot stabilize the negative charge through resonance. Additionally, the