Question

The depression in freeqing point of water observed for the same amount of acetic acid, triCHMoloracetic acid, and trifluoroacetic acid increases in the order given above. Explain briefly.

Answer 1

Increasing order of `DeltaT_(f)(` depression in freezing point `)` is `:`
Acetic acid `lt` TriCHMloroaceic acid `lt` Trifluoroacetic acid

Due to high electronegativity of `F` atom, it exerts greater `-I(` inductive effect`)`. Consequenctly, `III` is the strongest acid and `I` is the weakest acid. Hence `III` ionized to the largest extent and ionizes to the minimum extent to give ions in their solutions in water. `DeltaT_(f)` is directly proportional to the number of ions. Hence, the above order.