MHT CET202615 April 2026Evening ShiftChemistryCarboxylic Acid DerivativesActual
Which of the following is the strongest carboxylic acid?
Options
- ACH ₃ COOH
- BHCOOH
- CCH ₃ CH ₂ -COOH
- DClCH ₂ COOH
Correct answer
D. ClCH ₂ COOH
Step-by-step solution
The acidic strength of carboxylic acids depends on the stability of the conjugate base (carboxylate ion). Electron-withdrawing groups (EWG) stabilize the conjugate base through the -I effect, thereby increasing the acidic strength. Electron-donating groups (EDG) destabilize the conjugate base through the +I effect, decreasing the acidic strength. In the given options: ClCH ₂ COOH has a - Cl group which exerts a strong -I effect. HCOOH has a hydrogen atom (reference for I effect). CH ₃ COOH has a - CH ₃ group which