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NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3g3058

Which of the following hydrocarbons is the strongest Bronsted acid?

  1. AEthyne,
  2. BEthane,
  3. CEthene,
  4. DBenzene,

Answer: A

The acidity of a C-H bond increases with the s-character of the carbon, because the conjugate base holds its lone pair closer to the nucleus. Ethyne carbon is (50% s), ethene and benzene carbons are (33% s), and ethane carbon is (25% s). So ethyne is the strongest acid.
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