Chemistry - GOC Question with Solution | TestHub

Question Explanation:

The goal is to determine the correct decreasing order of acidic strength for ortho, meta, and para methylbenzoic acids.

Concept :

This question is based on acidic strength comparison.

Solution:

Acidic strength [Ka]    ∝   stability of conjugation base                                    

∝   –M group                                     

∝   –I group 

"Ortho-substituted benzoic acids are stronger acids than benzoic acid because the ortho substituent inhibits cross-conjugation, increasing the acidity of the –COOH group."