The sequence of reactions shown below were done in a lab.
Some of the reactions were done to synthesize compounds that were used to conduct other reactions. The experiments were also used to analyze the efficiency of these reactions.
From the following compounds, choose the compound that is the most acidic?
Ans. C NaOCH3 is basic. Carboxylic acids are much more acidic than alkynes. Choices B and D are ruled out. It is a tough call between Choices A and C. The carboxylic group of acetic acid is attached to an alkyl group. The carboxylic group of benzoic acid is attached to an aryl group. The sp2 carbons in the benzoic acid ring are more electron withdrawing than the sp3 carbon in the acetic acid. This makes benzoic acid more acidic than acetic acid.