Question

Identify the correct descending order of strength of nucleophilic solvents from the below‐given options:

• A. Trifluroethyl alcohol; methanol; formic acid; acetic acid
• B. Formic acid; acetic acid; methanol; trifluroethyl alcohol
• C. Methanol; formic acid; acetic acid; trifluroethyl alcohol
• D. Methanol; acetic acid; formic acid; trifluoroethyl alcohol

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To identify the correct descending order of the strength of nucleophilic solvents, we need to understand the concept of nucleophilicity. Nucleophilicity refers to the ability of a species to donate an electron pair to an electrophile. This property is influenced by several factors, including the basicity of the solvent, steric effects, and the solvent's ability to solvate the nucleophile or electrophile.

Let's analyze the given compounds: 

1. Methanol (CH₃OH): Methanol is a relatively good nucleophilic solvent due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds, leading to moderate nucleophilic strength.
2. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH): Acetic acid is a weak nucleophile; the carbonyl group decreases its nucleophilicity due to resonance stabilization.
3. Formic acid (HCOOH): Like acetic acid, formic acid is also weakly nucleophilic because of its acidic nature, reducing its electron pair donating ability.
4. Trifluoroethyl alcohol (CF₃CH₂OH): The presence of electronegative fluorine atoms decreases the electron density available for donation, making it a very weak nucleophilic solvent.

Based on the above explanation, the compounds can be arranged in descending order of nucleophilicity as follows:

Rank	Compound
1	Methanol
2	Acetic acid
3	Formic acid
4	Trifluoroethyl alcohol

Therefore, the correct descending order of strength of nucleophilic solvents is:

Methanol; acetic acid; formic acid; trifluoroethyl alcohol

Hence, the correct answer is: Methanol; acetic acid; formic acid; trifluoroethyl alcohol.