Question

The relative acidic strengths of benzoic acid, $o$-toluic acid and $p$-toluic acid is of the decreasing order :

• A. $p$-toluic acid > $o$-toluic acid > benzoic acid
• B. $o$-toluic acid > $p$-toluic acid > benzoic acid
• C. $p$-toluic acid > benzoic acid > $o$-toluic acid
• D. $o$-toluic acid > benzoic acid > $p$-toluic acid

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

$+I$ effect showing groups like $C{H}_3$ when present decreases the acidic strength of carboxylic acids but ortho toluic acid is more acidic due to ortho effect.