Question

Given below are two statements: 
Statement (I): p-nitrophenol is more acidic than m-nitrophenol and o-nitrophenol. 
Statement (II): Ethanol will give immediate turbidity with Lucas reagent. 
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine the correct answer, let's examine both statements separately: 

1. Statement I: p-nitrophenol is more acidic than m-nitrophenol and o-nitrophenol.
   • P-nitrophenol (para-nitrophenol) is more acidic due to the electron-withdrawing nature of the nitro group that enhances acidity by stabilizing the phenoxide ion. In para position, the nitro group provides maximum resonance and inductive effects.
   • In comparison, o-nitrophenol (ortho-nitrophenol) has steric hindrance and hydrogen bonding, which decreases its acidity compared to para. While m-nitrophenol (meta-nitrophenol) does not benefit from as much resonance or inductive effect.
   • Therefore, p-nitrophenol is indeed more acidic than both m-nitrophenol and o-nitrophenol.
2. Statement II: Ethanol will give immediate turbidity with Lucas reagent.
   • Lucas reagent (a mixture of hydrochloric acid and zinc chloride) is used to distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols based on their reactivity, developing turbidity as an indicator.
   • Tertiary alcohols react immediately with Lucas reagent to give turbidity, secondary alcohols require a few minutes, and primary alcohols usually do not react at room temperature.
   • Ethanol is a primary alcohol, hence it will not give immediate turbidity with Lucas reagent.
   • Thus, Statement II is false.

Based on the analysis above, Statement I is true as p-nitrophenol's greater acidity is correctly described, while Statement II is false as ethanol does not produce immediate turbidity with Lucas reagent.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Statement I is true but Statement II is false.

Answer 2

Statement I: p-Nitrophenol is more acidic than m- and o-nitrophenol due to resonance stabilization and inductive effects.
Statement II: Ethanol reacts slowly with Lucas reagent, not giving immediate turbidity (which is typical of tertiary alcohols).
Thus, Statement I is correct, and Statement II is incorrect.