Which of the following acids would have the largest value for pK_a? A)BrCH₂CH₂CH₂COOH B)ClCH₂CH₂CH₂COOH C)Cl₂CHCH₂CH₂COOH D)ICHBrCH₂CH₂COOH E)BrCCl₂CH₂CH₂COOH

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The largest value for pKa (which seems to be what is meant by "pK_a") indicates the weakest acid. The presence of electron-donating groups, such as alkyl chains, decreases the acidity of the carboxylic acid. Among the given options, the compound with three bromine atoms (A) will have the strongest electron-withdrawing effect due to the inductive effect, making the carboxylic acid the least acidic and thus having the largest pKa value.

Which of the Following Acids Would Have the Largest Value