Q15. Why are carboxylic acids more acidic than alcohols or phenols, although they all have hydrogen atoms attached to an oxygen atom (-0-H)?
Answer: Carboxylic acids are more acidic than alcohols or phenols. However, they all have a hydrogen atom attached to an oxygen atom (—O—H) because the conjugate base of carboxylic acids or the carboxylate ion is stabilised by resonance. Due to the resonance in carboxylic acids, the negative charge is at the more electronegative atom (oxygen atom). In alcohols or phenols, the negative charge is on the less electronegative atoms. Thus, carboxylic acids can release protons easier than alcohols or phenols.
