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NEET CHEMISTRYMedium

The correct order of decreasing acid strength of trichloroacetic acid (A), trifluoroacetic acid (B), acetic acid (C), and formic acid (D) is:

A

B > A > D > C

B

B > D > C > A

C

A > B > C > D

D

A > C > B > D

Step-by-Step Solution

The acidity of carboxylic acids depends on the stability of the carboxylate anion formed after losing a proton. This stability is influenced by Inductive Effects:

  1. Electron-Withdrawing Groups (EWG): Groups like halogens exert a negative inductive effect (-I), dispersing the negative charge on the anion and increasing stability (and acidity). Fluorine is more electronegative than Chlorine, so the -I effect of CF3-CF_3 is stronger than that of CCl3-CCl_3. Thus, Trifluoroacetic acid (B) > Trichloroacetic acid (A).
  2. Electron-Donating Groups (EDG): Alkyl groups like methyl (CH3-CH_3) exert a positive inductive effect (+I), intensifying the negative charge and destabilizing the anion (decreasing acidity). Formic acid (HCOOHHCOOH) has no alkyl group, while Acetic acid (CH3COOHCH_3COOH) has a methyl group. Thus, Formic acid (D) > Acetic acid (C).

Combining these trends, the order is B > A > D > C.

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