Question

14 multiple choice 2 points which of the following compounds has the highest level of acidity? four chemical structure options (omitted here)

Explanation:

To determine acidity in carboxylic acids, we analyze the electron - withdrawing effect of substituents. Fluorine (F) is more electronegative than Br and Cl, and having two F atoms (in the second compound) creates a stronger electron - withdrawing inductive effect. This stabilizes the carboxylate anion (the conjugate base) more effectively. A more stable conjugate base means a stronger acid. The other compounds have either less electronegative substituents (Br, Cl) or no such strong electron - withdrawing groups (the last compound). So the compound with two F atoms (the second option) has the highest acidity.

Answer:

B. The compound with two F atoms attached to the carbon adjacent to the carboxyl group (the second structural formula among the options).