The depression in freezing point (ΔTf) is a colligative property, meaning it depends on the number of solute particles in the solution, not on the nature of the solute particles. The relationship is given by the formula:
ΔTf = i × Kf × m
Where:
- ΔTf is the depression in freezing point.
- i is the van't Hoff factor, which accounts for the number of particles the solute forms in solution (dissociation or association).
- Kf is the molal freezing point depression constant (cryoscopic constant) of the solvent (water in this case).
- m is the molality of the solution.
The question states that the same amount of each acid is used in the same amount of water, which implies that their initial molal concentrations (m) are the same. Since the solvent is water for all three, Kf is also constant. Therefore, the depression in freezing point (ΔTf) is directly proportional to the van't Hoff factor (i).
ΔTf ∝ i
The van't Hoff factor for an acid that dissociates in solution is related to its degree of dissociation (α). For an acid HA dissociating into H⁺ and A⁻, i = 1 + α. A higher degree of dissociation leads to a larger van't Hoff factor and thus a greater depression in freezing point.
The degree of dissociation depends on the acid strength. Let's compare the strengths of the three acids:
1. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH): The methyl group (–CH₃) is an electron-donating group (+I effect). It increases the electron density on the carboxylate ion (CH₃COO⁻), destabilizing it and making the release of H⁺ difficult. Thus, acetic acid is a weak acid with a low degree of dissociation.
- Trichloroacetic acid (CCl₃COOH): The three chlorine atoms are highly electronegative and exert a strong electron-withdrawing inductive effect (–I effect). This effect pulls electron density away from the carboxylate ion (CCl₃COO⁻), dispersing the negative charge and stabilizing the conjugate base. This makes it a much stronger acid than acetic acid, with a higher degree of dissociation.
- Trifluoroacetic acid (CF₃COOH): Fluorine is the most electronegative element. The three fluorine atoms exert a very strong –I effect, even stronger than that of chlorine. This leads to maximum stabilization of the trifluoroacetate ion (CF₃COO⁻). Consequently, trifluoroacetic acid is the strongest acid among the three and has the highest degree of dissociation.
Order of Acid Strength and Degree of Dissociation (α):
Trifluoroacetic acid > Trichloroacetic acid > Acetic acid
Since the van't Hoff factor (i = 1 + α) depends on α, the order of 'i' will be the same:
i (Trifluoroacetic acid) > i (Trichloroacetic acid) > i (Acetic acid)
As ΔTf is directly proportional to 'i', the depression in freezing point will also follow the same order:
ΔTf (Trifluoroacetic acid) > ΔTf (Trichloroacetic acid) > ΔTf (Acetic acid)
This explains why the depression in freezing point increases in the order: Acetic acid < Trichloroacetic acid < Trifluoroacetic acid.
NEET Relevance
This question is excellent for NEET as it integrates concepts from two major chapters: 'Solutions' (colligative properties) and 'General Organic Chemistry' (acid strength, inductive effect). Such multi-concept questions are frequently asked to test a comprehensive understanding.
This question has appeared in previous NEET exams.