Place the following molecules in order of decreasing acidity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The order of decreasing acidity is determined by the stability of the conjugate base. The more stable the conjugate base, the weaker the acid. In this case, molecule B has the most stable conjugate base due to delocalization of the negative charge onto two oxygen atoms. Molecule A has a less stable conjugate base because the negative charge is localized on a single oxygen atom. Molecule C has the least stable conjugate base because it has a positively charged nitrogen atom adjacent to the negative charge. Therefore, the correct order of decreasing acidity is B>A>C.

Place the Following Molecules in Order of Decreasing Acidity