Arrange the following haloacetic acids in decreasing order of acidic strength: (I) (II) (III) (IV) — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Acidic strength depends on the $-I$ effect stabilizing the carboxylate anion. Since the distance (all $\alpha$) and number (one halogen) are tied, we evaluate Power. Electronegativity dictates the $-I$ power: $F > Cl > Br > I$, making fluoroacetic acid the strongest.