Formic acid is more acidic than benzoic acid why?

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Explanation of why Formic Acid is more acidic than Benzoic Acid

Structural Differences: Formic acid (HCOOH) has a smaller molecular size and simpler structure compared to benzoic acid (C6H5COOH). This makes it easier for the hydrogen atom in formic acid to dissociate from the molecule, making it more acidic.

Electronegativity: The electronegativity of the atoms in each acid also affects their acidity. The oxygen atom in formic acid is more electronegative than the oxygen atom in benzoic acid. This means that the hydrogen atom in formic acid is more likely to dissociate from the molecule, making it more acidic.

Resonance Stabilization: Benzoic acid has resonance stabilization due to the delocalization of the negative charge over the benzene ring. This makes it less acidic than formic acid, which lacks any resonance stabilization.

Inductive Effect: The inductive effect of the benzene ring in benzoic acid makes it less acidic as it withdraws electrons from the carboxylic group, stabilizing the negative charge. In contrast, the carboxylic group in formic acid is not influenced by any neighboring functional group, making it more acidic.

In summary, formic acid is more acidic than benzoic acid due to its smaller molecular size, simpler structure, higher electronegativity of the oxygen atom, lack of resonance stabilization, and absence of any inductive effect.

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