Question

Which electron displacement effect explains the following correct orders of acidity of the carboxylic acids?

\[\ce{Cl3CCOOH > Cl2CHCOOH > ClCH2COOH}\]

Answer 1

\[\ce{Cl3CCOOH > Cl2CHCOOH > ClCH2COOH}\]

The order of acidity can be explained on the basis of Inductive effect (–I effect). As the number of chlorine atoms increases, the –I effect increases. With the increase in –I effect, the acid strength also increases accordingly.