JEE Main levelOne or more correct optionsDifficulty 2 of 3g2152
Which of the following acids are stronger than benzoic acid (pKa 4.20)?
A2-Methylbenzoic acid
B2-Chlorobenzoic acid
C4-Methylbenzoic acid
D4-Methoxybenzoic acid
Answer: A, B
Ortho-substituted benzoic acids are stronger than benzoic acid regardless of the group (ortho effect): 2-methyl (3.91) and 2-chloro (2.94). The para-substituted acids with +I or +M groups are weaker: 4-methyl (4.37) and 4-methoxy (4.47).