The transmission of polar effects. Part VI. The ionization of ortho-substituted benzoic acids

The pK a values of a series of ortho-substituted benzoic acids in 50% ethanol–water have been determined. The effect of ortho-substitution on the ionization of benzoic acid in this and other solvents has been correlated by a linear free energy relation. The reaction constants found are compared with those for the meta/para-substituted benzoic acids. While those for the former system are insensitive to changes in the medium, the latter vary considerably. It is suggested that this is due to transmission by the field effect passing almost entirely through the molecular cavity for ortho-substituents.