Chapter 16, Problem 37P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for hydroxyl $-OH$ group at third Carbon is more acidic than that of the second Carbon in $vitaminC$ is has be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Acidity is defined as the property to accept electrons or tendency to donate hydrogen ion from the molecule.  Compounds having higher tendency to donate hydrogen ion is more acidic than the compounds having less tendency to donate hydrogen ion.

Electronegativity i s a measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons. Electronegative of hybrid orbitals depends upon the $\%$ s character. Hence more the s character more the electronegativity.

The acidity depends upon the electronegativity of an atom. More the electronegativity more the acidity.