Chapter 14, Problem 14.59P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Which of the two given cations Q or R is the stronger acid is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The strength of an acid depends on the stability of the conjugate base formed by the removal of the proton. The higher the stability of the conjugate base, the more stronger the acid. In case of cyclic conjugate bases with double bonds, the order of stability is $\text{aromatic }>\text{ nonaromatic }>\text{ antiaromatic}$.