To determine which compound is more polar between benzoic acid and ethyl 4-aminobenzoate, we need to consider their molecular structures and functional groups.
Benzoic acid (C6H5COOH) contains a carboxylic acid group (-COOH), which is highly polar due to the electronegativity difference between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms. This polarization creates a significant dipole moment, making benzoic acid quite soluble in polar solvents.
On the other hand, ethyl 4-aminobenzoate (C9H10NO2) features an amine group (-NH2) and an ester group (-COOEt) attached to the benzene ring. While the amine can also contribute to the polarity of the molecule, it is generally less polar than the carboxylic acid group in benzoic acid.
Moreover, when we consider the overall molecular structure, benzoic acid’s ability to form hydrogen bonds through its carboxylic acid functional group enhances its polar characteristics even more compared to the ethyl 4-aminobenzoate.
In conclusion, benzoic acid is more polar than ethyl 4-aminobenzoate due to the presence of a strong electronegative carboxylic acid group which contributes significantly to its polarity.