Arrange in increasing order of acid strength: (P) butanoic acid, (Q) 2-chlorobutanoic acid, (R) 3-chlorobutanoic acid, (S) 4-chlorobutanoic acid.

AP < S < R < Q
BS < R < Q < P
CQ < R < S < P
DP < Q < R < S

Answer: A

The -I effect of chlorine weakens as the number of bonds between Cl and the carboxyl group increases. Chlorine on C-2 acidifies most, then C-3, then C-4, and butanoic acid is the weakest: P < S < R < Q.

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