Question

The acidic hydrolysis of ether (X) shown below is fastest when:

• A. One phenyl group is replaced by a methyl group
• B. One phenyl group is replaced by a para-methoxyphenyl group
• C. Two phenyl groups a replaced by two para-methoxyphenyl groups
• D. No structure change is made to X

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Two phenyl groups are replaced by two para-methoxyphenyl groups. The acid hydrolysis reaction takes place through SN1 reaction, and para-methoxyphenyl groups help in the reactivity of SN1. The carbocation intermediate is highly stable because of the electron density.