Q.16
The correct order of acidity is
Options:
(A) C6H5COOH < CH3COOH < C6H5OH < C2H5OH
(B) CH3COOH < C6H5COOH < C2H5OH < C6H5OH
(C) C2H5OH < C6H5OH < C6H5COOH < CH3COOH
(D) C2H5OH < C6H5OH < CH3COOH < C6H5COOH
Correct Order of Acidity – Organic Compounds
The order of acidity of organic compounds depends on the
stability of the conjugate base.
Factors such as resonance and
inductive effect play a major role.
Key Concepts
- Carboxylic acids are strongest due to resonance stabilization.
- Phenol is more acidic than alcohol due to resonance.
- Alcohols are weakest acids.
- Electron-withdrawing groups increase acidity.
Correct Order of Acidity
C2H5OH <
C6H5OH <
CH3COOH <
C6H5COOH
Correct Answer
Option (D)
Acidity Comparison
| Compound | Type | Acidity |
|---|---|---|
| C2H5OH | Alcohol | Weakest |
| C6H5OH | Phenol | Moderate |
| CH3COOH | Carboxylic Acid | Strong |
| C6H5COOH | Carboxylic Acid | Strongest |
Conclusion
The acidity order follows the stability of the conjugate base.
Hence, alcohols are weakest, phenol is moderate, and carboxylic
acids are strongest.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option (D).
