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Formic acid is a stronger acid than Acetic Acid, why ?​

1 Answer

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Answer:

In acetic acid, due to the +I effect of the alkyl group the electron density on the oxygen atom increases.

The release of H + ion becomes difficult. Thus , greater the magnitude of +I effect weaker will be the acid.

Order of +I effect : CH 3>H

Therefore , formic acid (HCOOH) is more acidic than acetic acid (CH 3COOH).

User Geert Olaerts
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