Concept:
Acidic strength depends on the stability of the conjugate base. Stronger acids have conjugate bases stabilized by resonance, electronegativity, or inductive effects.
Step 1: Identify the products.
A: From PhNH2 via diazotization and Sandmeyer reaction, followed by hydrolysis, the product is benzoic acid (C6H5COOH).
B: From CH3CH2CHO (propanal) under Tollens’ reagent, the product is propanoic acid (CH3CH2COOH).
C: From CH4 oxidation under MoO3 and Na2Cr2O7 / H+, the product is carbonic acid (H2CO3).
D: From PhCH2MgBr + CO2, followed by hydrolysis, the product is phenylacetic acid (C6H5CH2COOH).
Step 2: Compare acidic strengths.
H2CO3 (C): Strongest acid among the given, as it has higher ionization tendency compared to organic acids.
CH3CH2COOH (B): Aliphatic carboxylic acid, weaker than carbonic acid but stronger than aromatic acids.
C6H5COOH (A): Benzoic acid, weaker than aliphatic acids due to resonance effects reducing acidity.
C6H5CH2COOH (D): Phenylacetic acid, weakest because the CH2 group reduces the electron-withdrawing effect of the phenyl ring.
Order of acidic strength:
C > B > A > D