Question
When will be the acidic character of carboxylic acid higher in following cases ?
MHT CET
Chemistry
Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
2026
MHT CET 2026 (17 April Shift 1)
MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution
Options
- A. Lower K_a and pK_a values
- B. Lower K_a value and higher pK_a value
- C. Higher K_a value and lower pK_a value
- D. Higher K_a and pK_a values
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
Related: Chemistry — Carboxylic Acid Derivatives · All PYQ Banks