How to identify the most acidic proton?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the process of identifying the most acidic proton in a chemical compound, which involves understanding the concept of acidity and the factors that influence it, such as electronegativity and bond strength.
Answer
The proton in the OH group of carboxylic acids is usually the most acidic.
The most acidic proton is typically attached to the functional group with the lowest pKa, such as the OH group in carboxylic acids.
Answer for screen readers
The most acidic proton is typically attached to the functional group with the lowest pKa, such as the OH group in carboxylic acids.
More Information
Acidic protons are typically attached to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen or nitrogen. The hydrogen attached to the oxygen in a carboxylic acid group is highly acidic because the carboxylate ion formed after deprotonation is stabilized by resonance.
Tips
A common mistake is to overlook resonance stabilization when comparing acidity. Functional groups that lead to stable anions through resonance often have the most acidic protons.
Sources
- 11.10: Identifying Acidic Protons - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- How to Find the Most Acidic Proton in a Molecule - organicchemistrytutor.com
