Question

The increasing order of acidity of the following compounds based on pKa values: BrCH$_2$COOH, ClCH$_2$COOH, FCH$_2$COOH, HCOOH

• A. (D) $<$ (A) $<$ (B) $<$ (C)
• B. (A) $<$ (D) $<$ (C) $<$ (B)
• C. (B) $<$ (A) $<$ (D) $<$ (C)
• D. (C) $<$ (B) $<$ (D) $<$ (A)

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

(D) $<$ (A) $<$ (B) $<$ (C)

Answer 2

The acidity of carboxylic acids depends on the electron-withdrawing effects of substituents. More electronegative substituents increase the acidity.