Arrange the following compounds in increasing order of their acid strengths:
(CH₃)₂CHCOOH, CH₃CH₂CH(Br)COOH, CH₃CH(Br)CH₂COOH.
(CH₃)₂CHCOOH, CH₃CH₂CH(Br)COOH, CH₃CH(Br)CH₂COOH.
Answer: (CH₃)₂CHCOOH < CH₃CH(Br)CH₂COOH < CH₃CH₂CH(Br)COOH.
Solution
Electron-withdrawing Br strengthens the acid, and more so the closer it sits to –COOH (−I falls off with distance); the alkyl +I of the first weakens it:
CBSE Class 12 Board · 2008 · Delhi · Subjective