Question

Which of the following is the correct order of increasing acidity for the following compounds? $ \text{CH}_3\text{OH} $, $ \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} $, $ \text{HCl} $, and $ \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 $.

• A. \( \text{CH}_3\text{OH}<\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}<\text{HCl}<\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \)
• B. \( \text{CH}_3\text{OH}<\text{HCl}<\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}<\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \)
• C. \( \text{HCl}<\text{CH}_3\text{OH}<\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}<\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \)
• D. \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4<\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}<\text{HCl}<\text{CH}_3\text{OH} \)

Hint:

Remember: Acidity increases as you move from weaker acids like alcohols to stronger acids like sulfuric acid.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the acidity of the compounds
- \( \text{CH}_3\text{OH} \) (Methanol) is a weak alcohol and a weak acid. - \( \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} \) (Acetic acid) is a weak acid, but stronger than methanol due to the presence of the carboxyl group (\( \text{COOH} \)). - \( \text{HCl} \) (Hydrochloric acid) is a strong acid due to its complete dissociation in water. - \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \) (Sulfuric acid) is a very strong acid, known for its strong dissociation and ability to donate two protons.
Step 2: Rank the acidity based on strength
- Methanol is the weakest acid. - Acetic acid is stronger than methanol but weaker than strong acids like HCl and H\(_2\)SO\(_4\). - Hydrochloric acid is stronger than acetic acid. - Sulfuric acid is the strongest acid in this list.
Step 3: Correct order of increasing acidity
Thus, the order of increasing acidity is: \[ \text{CH}_3\text{OH}<\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}<\text{HCl}<\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \]
Answer:
Therefore, the correct answer is option (1).