JEE Main Chemistry question

Which of the following compounds would have the smallest value of pKₐ?

(A)CHF₂CH₂CH₂COOH
(B)CH₃CH₂CF₂COOHCorrect
(C)CH₂FCHFCH₂COOH
(D)CH₃CF₂CH₂COOH

Answer: (B)

Solution

The smallest pKₐ corresponds to the strongest acid, favoured by electron-withdrawing fluorines placed as close as possible to the –COOH group (maximal inductive effect) — two fluorines on

See the full step-by-step solution

Create a free account to read the complete working, and practise questions like this in a timed test.

Create a free account

Question ID VK-149223