Question

Salicylic acid more acidic than o-methoxy salicylic acid

Answer 1

Structurally, the only difference between salicylic acid and benzoic acid is the presence of the hydroxy (-OH) group ortho to the carboxyl group. The more acidic molecule is the one with a more stable conjugate base. ... Hence, benzoic acid is less acidic than salicylic acid.

Answer 2

Salicylic acid is more acidic than o-methoxy salicylic acid due to the presence of a strong methyl group.

Explanation:

• Salicylic acid more acidic than o-methoxy salicylic acid because the the hydrogen bonding is avoided by the strong Methyl group and methoxy ($-OCH3$) group
• It $-OCH3$ group is the electron donating group and there is a decrease in the probability of releasing the hydrogen ion.
• The hydroxy group is present at the ortho position and due to the ortho effect.
• Thus Salicyclic acid is more acidic than that of ortho methoxy salicylic acid.