Site navigation

Which of the following compounds has the highest \(\mathrm{p}K_a\) value in water?

Question and options

Which of the following compounds has the highest pKa\mathrm{p}K_a value in water?
  1. HCOOH\mathrm{HCOOH}
  2. CH3CH2COOH\mathrm{CH_3CH_2COOH}
  3. (CH3)3CCOOH\mathrm{(CH_3)_3CCOOH}
  4. ClCH2COOH\mathrm{ClCH_2COOH}

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C - \(\mathrm{(CH_3)_3CCOOH}\)
Highest pKa\mathrm{p}K_a means weakest acid. In (CH3)3CCOOH\mathrm{(CH_3)_3CCOOH} the three methyl groups (+I) destabilise the carboxylate most; ClCH2COOH\mathrm{ClCH_2COOH} and HCOOH\mathrm{HCOOH} are stronger acids.

Practice for these exams

  • CUSAT CAT M.Sc. Forensic Science

  • Bihar Judicial Services

    Subject revision

  • Uttarakhand Judicial Services

    Subject revision

Related question papers

Related exam syllabi

More solved explanations in General science & technology