The increasing order of pKa values of the circled hydrogens in the following compounds is(I) (II) (III)
(a)I $<$ II $<$ III
(b)I $<$ III $<$ II
(c)II $<$ I $<$ III
(d)II $<$ III $<$ I
Answer
Answer: C ✓ checked by 4AB · confidence medium
Explanation
The N–H of the N-cyanoguanidinium salt (II) is strongly acidic. The CH₂ flanked by two carbonyls in I has pKa ≈ 10. The C-2 H of the 1,3-dimethylimidazolium ion (III) has pKa ≈ 21–23. II < I < III (c).