Question

Why does 2-chloropentanoic acid have a higher pKa value than 3-chloropentanoic acid?

Answer 1

Answer:

In 2-chlorobutanoic acid substituent chloro is closer to the C-O-H(no. of sigma bond is less from C-O-H to Cl) bond and -I effect (polarization of bond) is higher as compared to 3-chlorobutanoic acid. Therefore H remove easily as proton in 2-chlorobutanoic acid and hence it is stronger acid

Explanation: