Identify the correct decreasing order of acidic strength for the following compounds: (I) (II) (III)

Step-by-step solution

The acidic strength of a compound depends on the stability of its conjugate base. Let us analyze the conjugate bases of the given compounds: 1. Compound (II) is benzenesulfonic acid. Its conjugate base, the benzenesulfonate ion ( Ph-SO ₃^- ), is highly stabilized by three equivalent resonance structures, dispersing the negative charge over three highly electronegative oxygen atoms. 2. Compound (I) is benzoic acid. Its conjugate base, the benzoate ion ( Ph-COO ^- ), is stabilized by two equivalent resonance structur