Why does shifting electron density cause something to become more acidic?
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Because “more acidic” in this context is using the Bronsted-Lowry definition of “acids”. **Don’t think acid = corrosive, think acid = hydrogen ion donor**. And base is hydrogen acceptor.
Electron density is relevant because hydrogen ions have a positive (+) charge and like charges repel. That means regions of molecules that have a substantial degree of partial positive charge (i.e. low electron density around them) will more readily give up H+, because like charges repel. Hydrogens in regions of low electron density are therefore commonly referred to as acidic protons. “Acidic” meaning the molecule wants to donate them.
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