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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the concept of acidity in organic chemistry?
A
Acidity is determined by the ability of a compound to undergo nucleophilic substitution.
B
Acidity is determined by the ability of a compound to accept an electron.
C
Acidity is determined by the ability of a compound to form hydrogen bonds.
D
Acidity is determined by the ability of a compound to donate a proton.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that acidity in organic chemistry refers to the tendency of a compound to donate a proton (H⁺ ion). This is a fundamental concept in acid-base chemistry.
Recall the Bronsted-Lowry definition of acids and bases, where an acid is defined as a proton donor and a base as a proton acceptor.
Consider the role of the hydrogen atom in acidic compounds. When a compound donates a hydrogen ion, it increases the concentration of H⁺ ions in solution, which is a characteristic of acids.
Differentiate between acidity and other chemical properties such as nucleophilic substitution, electron acceptance, and hydrogen bonding. These are distinct concepts and do not define acidity.
Conclude that the correct description of acidity in organic chemistry is the ability of a compound to donate a proton, aligning with the Bronsted-Lowry acid definition.