Which of the following is not a factor affecting the acidity of a compound?

• A. Electronegativity of the atom bonded to hydrogen
• B. Resonance stabilization of the conjugate base
• C. Inductive effect from nearby electronegative atoms
• D. Presence of a catalyst

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that acidity in organic compounds is influenced by several factors that stabilize the conjugate base after the loss of a proton (H⁺).
2. Recognize that the electronegativity of the atom bonded to hydrogen affects acidity because more electronegative atoms can better stabilize the negative charge on the conjugate base.
3. Consider resonance stabilization, which allows the negative charge of the conjugate base to be delocalized over multiple atoms, increasing stability and thus acidity.
4. Examine the inductive effect, where nearby electronegative atoms can pull electron density away from the conjugate base, stabilizing it and increasing acidity.
5. Identify that the presence of a catalyst does not directly affect the intrinsic acidity of a compound, as catalysts typically influence the rate of reaction rather than the equilibrium position or stability of the conjugate base.