Acetic acid, shown below, has 4 hydrogen atoms-one bonded to an oxygen and three bonded to a carbon. When this molecule behaves as an acid, it donates only the hydrogen bonded to the oxygen. The hydrogens bonded to the carbon remain intact. Why?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The oxygen in acetic acid is more electronegative than the carbon atoms, making it a better site to accommodate a negative charge. This means that the hydrogen attached to the oxygen is more easily donated as a proton, while the hydrogens attached to the carbon are less likely to do so.

Acetic Acid, Shown Below, Has 4 Hydrogen Atoms-One Bonded to an Oxygen