Chemistry

Problem

Four weak acids have the following

pK_a

values at 25 °C: • Lactic acid,

pK_a = 3.86

• Chloroacetic acid,

pK_a = 2.86

• Benzoic acid,

pK_a = 4.20

• Phenol,

pK_a = 9.95

Arrange the acids in order of decreasing acid strength (strongest to weakest). Express your answer in the form “A > B > C > D.”