NEET 2012 Chemistry question

The correct order of decreasing acid strength of trichloroacetic acid (A), trifluoroacetic acid (B), acetic acid (C) and formic acid (D) is:

(1)A > C > B > D
(2)B > A > D > CCorrect
(3)B > D > C > A
(4)A > B > C > D

Answer: (2)

Solution

Acid strength increases with electron-withdrawing groups (-I effect) that stabilise the carboxylate anion and decreases with electron-donating groups (+I effect). Fluorine is more electronegative than chlorine, so (B) is stronger than

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Question ID VK-091129