Carboxylic acid acidity (inductive/resonance effects) (Carboxylic acids donate proton; conjugate base resonance-stabilized; EWG ↑ acidity)

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Carboxylic acids donate proton; conjugate base resonance-stabilized; EWG ↑ acidity

What each symbol means

SymbolWhat it stands for
pKaNegative log Ka; lower pKa = stronger acid
RCOOHCarboxylic acid

When to use this

Aqueous comparison; electron-withdrawing groups stabilize carboxylate; halogens increase Ka; formic > acetic; benzoic influenced by ring substituents.