1. Rank the following compounds in order of increasing acidity.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the functional groups present in each compound. Functional groups such as carboxylic acids, phenols, alcohols, and amines significantly influence acidity.
2. Analyze the stability of the conjugate base formed after deprotonation of each compound. A more stable conjugate base corresponds to a stronger acid.
3. Consider the effects of resonance stabilization. If the conjugate base can delocalize its negative charge through resonance, the compound will be more acidic.
4. Evaluate the inductive effects of electronegative atoms or groups. Electronegative substituents near the acidic proton can stabilize the conjugate base through electron withdrawal, increasing acidity.
5. Rank the compounds based on the combined effects of resonance, inductive effects, and the inherent acidity of the functional groups. Start with the least acidic compound and progress to the most acidic.

Key Concepts

Acidity and pKa

Acidity refers to the tendency of a compound to donate protons (H+) in a solution. The strength of an acid is often measured using the pKa value, where lower pKa values indicate stronger acids. Understanding the relationship between acidity and pKa is crucial for ranking compounds based on their acidic strength.

Resonance Stabilization

Resonance stabilization occurs when a molecule can be represented by multiple valid Lewis structures, allowing for the delocalization of electrons. This delocalization can stabilize the conjugate base formed after deprotonation, thereby increasing the acidity of the original compound. Recognizing resonance structures is essential for predicting acidity trends.

Inductive Effect

The inductive effect refers to the electron-withdrawing or electron-donating influence of substituents on a molecule. Electronegative atoms or groups can stabilize the negative charge on a conjugate base through inductive withdrawal, enhancing acidity. Understanding how different substituents affect acidity through this effect is key to ranking compounds.