Q. The correct order of decreasing acidity of the following aliphatic acids is:
A) $(CH_3)_3CCOOH > (CH_3)_2CHCOOH > CH_3COOH > HCOOH$
B) $CH_3COOH > (CH_3)_2CHCOOH > (CH_3)_3CCOOH > HCOOH$
C) $HCOOH > CH_3COOH > (CH_3)_2CHCOOH > (CH_3)_3CCOOH$
D) $HCOOH > (CH_3)_3CCOOH > (CH_3)_2CHCOOH > CH_3COOH$
Explanation
[Solution by Claude - not from source] Alkyl groups are electron-donating (+I), which destabilise the carboxylate and decrease acidity. More alkyl substitution means weaker acid, and $HCOOH$ has no alkyl group. Answer (3).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.