Question

rank each set of compounds from most acidic (i) to least acidic (iii): a) 2,4-dichlorobutyric acid i.) most b) 2,3-dichloro butyric acid ii.) c.) 3,3-dimethylbutryic acid iii.) least 3b. explain why you chose this order:

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

i) Most acidic: 2,4-dichlorobutyric acid

ii) Intermediate acidity: 2,3-dichlorobutyric acid

iii) Least acidic: 3,3-dimethylbutyric acid

The acidity of a compound is determined by the stability of its conjugate base. A stronger acid will have a more stable conjugate base. In this case, the presence of electron-withdrawing groups like chlorine atoms in the carboxylic acid group increases the acidity of the compound by stabilizing the negative charge on the conjugate base.

Comparing the three compounds, 2,4-dichlorobutyric acid has two chlorine atoms which are more electronegative than the methyl groups present in the other compounds. The presence of these electron-withdrawing groups increases the acidity of the compound, making it the most acidic of the three.

2,3-dichlorobutyric acid has only one chlorine atom in the carboxylic acid group, making it less acidic than 2,4-dichlorobutyric acid but more acidic than 3,3-dimethylbutyric acid.

3,3-dimethylbutyric acid does not have any electron-withdrawing groups in the carboxylic acid group, making it the least acidic of the three compounds.