Question:medium

The strongest acid among the following is:

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The strength of an acid is influenced by the stability of its conjugate base. Substituents that can stabilize the conjugate base, such as through hydrogen bonding or electron withdrawing effects, increase the acid strength.

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Salicylic acid
  • \( m \)-hydroxybenzoic acid
  • \( p \)-hydroxybenzoic acid
  • Benzoic acid
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Acid Strength Determinants
Acid strength correlates directly with the stability of its conjugate base; enhanced stability signifies a stronger acid. 
Step 2: Compound Analysis 
Salicylic acid: Features a carboxylic acid and an ortho-positioned hydroxyl group. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the ortho hydroxyl and the carboxylate anion stabilizes the conjugate base. 
\( m \)-hydroxybenzoic acid: The meta-positioned hydroxyl group offers negligible stabilization to the carboxylate anion. 
\( p \)-hydroxybenzoic acid: Similarly, the para-positioned hydroxyl group provides no significant stabilization to the carboxylate anion. 
Benzoic acid: Lacks substituents capable of stabilizing the conjugate base. 
Step 3: Strongest Acid Identification 
Salicylic acid exhibits the greatest acidity. This is due to the ortho hydroxyl group's capacity to stabilize its conjugate base via intramolecular hydrogen bonding, facilitating proton dissociation. 
Step 4: Option Correlation 
The strongest acid identified is salicylic acid, aligning with option (A). 

Final Answer: The strongest acid is (A) Salicylic acid.

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