JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3g1019
Match the acids with their approximate pKa values. Acids: P: CHX3COOH; Q: ClCHX2COOH; R: ClX2CHCOOH; S: ClX3CCOOH. pKa values: 1: 0.7; 2: 1.3; 3: 2.9; 4: 4.8.
AP-1, Q-2, R-3, S-4
BP-4, Q-3, R-1, S-2
CP-4, Q-3, R-2, S-1
DP-3, Q-4, R-2, S-1
Answer: C
Each added Cl increases the total -I effect and lowers the pKa. The order of acidity is S > R > Q > P, so S has the lowest pKa (0.7), R 1.3, Q 2.9 and P (acetic acid) 4.8. This gives P-4, Q-3, R-2, S-1.