Concept:Adding an electron-withdrawing halogen (like chlorine) to a carboxylic acid dramatically increases its acidity via the inductive (\( -I \)) effect. Conversely, adding electron-donating alkyl groups decreases acidity.
Solution:- Let's evaluate the truth of each statement.
- Option B: True. Acetic acid is stronger than propionic acid (ethyl group has stronger \( +I \) than methyl).
- Option C: True. Trichloroacetic acid is vastly stronger due to 3 chlorines.
- Option D: True. Formic acid has no methyl group destabilizing its anion, so it is stronger than acetic acid.
- Option A: False. Monochloroacetic acid has a chlorine atom pulling electron density, making it stronger than unsubstituted acetic acid. The statement claims acetic is stronger, which is a lie.
Why other options are incorrect:Options B, C, and D state experimentally verifiable facts. The question specifically asks for the false statement.
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