Practicing Success
Which of the following is the most acidic? |
Benzoic acid o-Toluic acid m-Toluic acid p-Toluic acid |
o-Toluic acid |
The CH3 is an electron releasing group and should reduce the acidic character of acids by destabilizing it, the presence of CH3 group at ortho position has a reverse effect and increases the acidic strength compared to benzoic acid. This is due to a combination of stearic and electronic factors. |