Question

Which of the following aromatic acids has less acidic strength than benzoic acid?

Options

• o - chlorobenzoic acid

• o - nitrobenzoic acid

• m - nitrobenzoic acid

• p - methoxy benzoic acid

Answer 1

p - methoxy benzoic acid

Explanation:

Because the methoxy (-OCH₃) group is an electron-donating ring, it activates the ring, but the conjugation is not extended, resulting in a less stable structure. The electron withdrawing group, on the other hand, stabilises the structure through resonance.