JEE Main Chemistry question

Among the following acids, which has the lowest pKₐ value?

(A)CH₃CH₂COOH
(B)(CH₃)₂CH–COOH
(C)HCOOHCorrect
(D)CH₃COOH

Answer: (C)

Solution

pKₐ decreases (acid strength increases) as electron-donating alkyl substitution on the α-carbon decreases, since alkyl groups are weakly electron-donating and destabilize the carboxylate

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Question ID VK-149220