MHT CET202617 April 2026Morning ShiftChemistryCarboxylic Acid DerivativesActual
When will be the acidic character of carboxylic acid higher in following cases ?
Options
- ALower K_a and pK_a values
- BLower K_a value and higher pK_a value
- CHigher K_a value and lower pK_a value
- DHigher K_a and pK_a values
Correct answer
C. Higher K_a value and lower pK_a value
Step-by-step solution
Acidic strength of a carboxylic acid is directly proportional to its acid dissociation constant K_a . Higher the value of K_a , stronger is the acid. The relationship between pK_a and K_a is given by pK_a = - K_a . Thus, a higher value of K_a corresponds to a lower value of pK_a . Therefore, higher acidic character corresponds to a higher K_a value and a lower pK_a value. Answer: Higher K_a value and lower pK_a value