MP Board · Class 12 · Chemistry · Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic AcidsExplain the acidic nature of carboxylic acids.
Step-by-Step Solution
Carboxylic acids exhibit acidic behavior because they readily donate a proton to form a carboxylate anion when dissolved in water or treated with bases. This acidity is significantly higher than that of simple alcohols or phenols because the resulting carboxylate anion is stabilized by resonance, spreading the negative charge equally over two electronegative oxygen atoms, which lowers the overall free energy of the anionic species and shifts the equilibrium forward.
💡 Study Guide: This question tests core syllabus concepts from Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids. For formulas, key summaries, and mock exam reference guides, read the full Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Revision Notes.