The relative acidic strengths of benzoic acid, $o$-toluic acid and $p$-toluic acid is of the decreasing order

• A

  $o$-toluic acid $>p$-toluic acid $>$ benzoic acid
• B

  $p$-toluic acid $>$ benzoic acid $>0$-toluic acid
• Correct answer
  C

  0 -toluic acid $>$ benzoic acid $>p$-toluic acid
• D

  $p$-toluic acid $>0$-toluic acid $>$ benzoic acid

Solution

+ I effect showing groups like $\mathrm{CH}_{3}$ when present decreases the acidic strength of carboxylic acids but ortho toluic acid is more acidic due to ortho effect.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.