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EEJ MAIN Chemistry
QUESTION #7500
Question 1
Which of the following compounds is the strongest acid?
Correct Answer Explanation
Acidity of $\text{CHX}_3$ compounds depends on the electron-withdrawing ability of the substituents X, which stabilize the conjugate base carbanion $\text{CX}_3^-$.
- CN is an extremely strong electron-withdrawing group (by both induction and resonance).
- $\text{CH(CN)}_3$ has three CN groups, creating maximum negative charge delocalization on the carbanion — giving the most stable conjugate base.
- Halogens: electronegativity order is F > Cl > Br > I, so CHCl$_3$ > CHBr$_3$ > CHI$_3$ in acidity.
Overall: CH(CN)$_3$ is the strongest acid due to the powerful electron-withdrawing CN groups.
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