Which concepts can be used to explain the difference in acidicty between ethanol and 2-fluoroethanol?

Question

Wade Adams

Chemistry

29 November, 12:53

Which concepts can be used to explain the difference in acidicty between ethanol and 2-fluoroethanol?

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Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Danielle English · Answer 1

The answer is Inductive effect

Explanation:

To determine the acidity or alkalinity of an organic compound. We have to keep in mind that the whole analysis is based on the comparison between the compounds, and we must work with the conjugated base of the molecule. Keeping in mind, the more unstable the base, the less acidic the molecule is. Thus, to determine instability, the Inductive Effect of the molecule can be used.

This type of effect occurs when atoms of different electronegativities are linked or very close in the compound. The most electronegative atom has a tendency to bring electrons close to it, thus creating a dipole. This dipole can have a stabilizing effect on the molecule, as it "relieves" the excessive charge on some occasions, better accommodating the charges.

However, in some cases, instead of chains with chlorine radicals, we may have chains with methyl radicals. This has a major impact on the inductive effect, keeping in mind that alkyl groups are electron donors.