Consider the following molecules: OH Он ČI B Which is the stronger acid? Which structural effect led you to that answer? (If more than one effect is present, select the more significant effect)

Chemistry
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ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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**Consider the following molecules:**

![Diagram of Molecules](<image link>)
 
- **Molecule A:**
   - Contains a benzene ring (six-membered carbon ring with alternating double bonds).
   - A hydroxyl group (OH) is attached to one of the carbon atoms.
   - A chlorine (Cl) atom is attached to the carbon atom in the para position (opposite) relative to the hydroxyl group.

- **Molecule B:**
   - Contains a benzene ring (six-membered carbon ring with alternating double bonds).
   - A hydroxyl group (OH) is attached to one of the carbon atoms.
   - No other substituents are present on the benzene ring.

**Questions to Consider:**

1. **Which is the stronger acid?**
2. **Which structural effect led you to that answer?** 
   - If more than one effect is present, select the more significant effect.

**Detailed Explanation:**

The strength of an acid in aromatic compounds such as these can be influenced by the substituents present on the benzene ring. Chlorine, being an electron-withdrawing group via inductive effect and slightly through resonance, can have a significant impact on the acidity of phenol (the base structure of molecule A and B). The presence of chlorine tends to stabilize the conjugate base of the acid, making it more likely to donate a proton (H+), hence increasing the acidity. Thus, analyze the molecules with respect to the position of electron-withdrawing groups and consider their effects on acidity.
Transcribed Image Text:**Consider the following molecules:** ![Diagram of Molecules](<image link>) - **Molecule A:** - Contains a benzene ring (six-membered carbon ring with alternating double bonds). - A hydroxyl group (OH) is attached to one of the carbon atoms. - A chlorine (Cl) atom is attached to the carbon atom in the para position (opposite) relative to the hydroxyl group. - **Molecule B:** - Contains a benzene ring (six-membered carbon ring with alternating double bonds). - A hydroxyl group (OH) is attached to one of the carbon atoms. - No other substituents are present on the benzene ring. **Questions to Consider:** 1. **Which is the stronger acid?** 2. **Which structural effect led you to that answer?** - If more than one effect is present, select the more significant effect. **Detailed Explanation:** The strength of an acid in aromatic compounds such as these can be influenced by the substituents present on the benzene ring. Chlorine, being an electron-withdrawing group via inductive effect and slightly through resonance, can have a significant impact on the acidity of phenol (the base structure of molecule A and B). The presence of chlorine tends to stabilize the conjugate base of the acid, making it more likely to donate a proton (H+), hence increasing the acidity. Thus, analyze the molecules with respect to the position of electron-withdrawing groups and consider their effects on acidity.
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