Although phenoxide ion has more number o | Class 12 Chemistry Chapter Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids, Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids NCERT Solutions

Current NCERT chapter

Academic session 2026-27, Chapter 8 in the current curriculum.

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 2, Question 20:

Although phenoxide ion has more number of resonating structures than carboxylate ion, carboxylic acid is a stronger acid than phenol. Why?

. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 20:

Although phenoxide ion has more number of resonating structures than carboxylate ion, carboxylic acid is a stronger acid than phenol. Why?

Answer:

Resonance structures of phenoxide ion are:

It can be observed from the resonance structures of phenoxide ion that in II, III and IV, less electronegative carbon atoms carry a negative charge. Therefore, these three structures contribute negligibly towards the resonance stability of the phenoxide ion. Hence, these structures can be eliminated. Only structures I and V carry a negative charge on the more electronegative oxygen atom.

Resonance structures of carboxylate ion are:

In the case of carboxylate ion, resonating structures I”² and II”² contain a charge carried by a more electronegative oxygen atom.

Further, in resonating structures I”² and II”², the negative charge is delocalized over two oxygen atoms. But in resonating structures I and V of the phexoxide ion, the negative charge is localized on the same oxygen atom. Therefore, the resonating structures of carboxylate ion contribute more towards its stability than those of phenoxide ion. As a result, carboxylate ion is more resonance-stabilized than phenoxide ion. Hence, carboxylic acid is a stronger acid than phenol.


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 2 , Question 20: Although phenoxide ion has more number of resonating structures than carboxylate ion, carboxylic aci....

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