Strongest acid ?

Resolved Question

Acids... which is stronger?

Which one of the following is the strongest acid?
(a) ICH2CO2H
(b) BrCH2CO2H
(c) ClCH2CO2H
(d) FCH2CO2H
(e) ICH2CH2CO2H

by joeyeehu...
Chemistry

The answer is (d).

A strong acid is the one that can donate a proton(H+) easily.The presence of halogen will increase the ability of the acid to donate proton. This is so because halogen being more electronegative will attract the electrons toward itself. This will reduce the electron charge density of the OH bond (COOH). It weakens the OH bond and hence it becomes easier for the H+ to be donated.

Since F is the most electronegative among the halogen, it has the strongest effect ( negative inductive effect ). It weakens the OH bond the most and it will cause the molecule to donate H+ readily.