Question

which of the following is the stronger base?

• A. CH₃O^-
• B. CH₃COO^-
• C. CI^-
• D. OH^-

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The strength of a base is determined by the availability of the lone pair of electrons on the anion, which can accept a proton. Stronger bases have a higher tendency to donate electrons and accept protons.

- \( \text{CH}_3\text{O}^- \) (methoxide ion) is a strong base because the negative charge is on a small, highly electronegative oxygen atom with no stabilizing groups attached.

- \( \text{CH}_3\text{COO}^- \) (acetate ion) is weaker than \( \text{CH}_3\text{O}^- \) because the negative charge is delocalized between the two oxygen atoms, stabilizing the ion and reducing its basicity.

- \( \text{Cl}^- \) (chloride ion) is a very weak base because the negative charge is highly stabilized by the electronegativity of chlorine, making it unlikely to accept a proton.

- \( \text{OH}^- \) (hydroxide ion) is a strong base, but it is weaker than \( \text{CH}_3\text{O}^- \) because oxygen is less electron-rich in hydroxide compared to methoxide.

Thus, the strongest base among the given options is \( \text{CH}_3\text{O}^- \), which corresponds to option (A).