Which of the following halo-substituted acetic acids possesses the highest acidic strength (lowest ) — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Acidic strength depends directly on the stabilization of the conjugate base (carboxylate anion). Halogens stabilize the anion via the electron-withdrawing negative inductive ($-I$) effect. Since fluorine is the most electronegative element among the halogens, it exerts the strongest $-I$ pull, dispersing the negative charge most effectively and making fluoroacetic acid the strongest acid.