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Multiple Choice
Which of the following factors affects the acidity of a compound in organic chemistry?
A
The color of the compound
B
The boiling point of the compound
C
Electronegativity of the atom bonded to the acidic hydrogen
D
The molecular weight of the compound
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the acidic hydrogen in the compound. This is typically a hydrogen atom that is bonded to a more electronegative atom, such as oxygen, nitrogen, or a halogen.
Understand that electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself. In the context of acidity, a more electronegative atom will stabilize the negative charge that results when the acidic hydrogen is removed as a proton (H⁺).
Consider the effect of electronegativity on acidity: The more electronegative the atom bonded to the acidic hydrogen, the more stable the conjugate base will be after the hydrogen is removed. This increased stability makes the compound more acidic.
Compare the electronegativity of different atoms: For example, in a series of compounds where the acidic hydrogen is bonded to different atoms, the compound with the hydrogen bonded to the most electronegative atom will generally be the most acidic.
Conclude that factors such as the color, boiling point, or molecular weight of the compound do not directly affect its acidity. Instead, focus on the electronegativity of the atom bonded to the acidic hydrogen as a key factor in determining acidity.