Question:

Which one of the following compounds is most acidic?

Updated On: Jun 7, 2022
  • $Cl - CH _{2}- CH _{2}- OH$
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Phenols are much more acidic than alcohols, due to the stabilisation of phenoxide ion by resonance.

undefined


Phenoxide ion is stabilized due to following resonating structures:



Ortho nitrophenol is most acidic because in it $- NO _{2}$ electron attracting group is attached on ortho position which helps in stabilising of negative charge on the oxygen of phenoxide ion.Hence, due to this reason acidic character of phenol is increased, while on attachment of $- CH _{3}$ group (electron donating group) acidic strength of phenol is decreased in cresol due to destabilisation of phenoxide ion.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Concepts Used:

Alcohols

What is Alcohol?

Alcohol is a derivative of water (H2O) that has one, two, or more hydroxyl groups that are attached to a carbon atom of a hydrocarbon chain (an alkyl group). It is one of the most common organic compounds used in sweeteners, fragrances, and medicine. 

Read More: Types of Alcohol

Uses of Alcohol:

  • Ethanol is the alcohol used in alcoholic drinks. It can be used as an industrial methylated spirit where methanol is used very little in quantity as it can be dangerous.
  • It is used as fuel to produce carbon dioxide and water by the process of fermentation. Whereas methanol burns carbon dioxide and water to facilitate combustion.
  • Alcohol is an organic compound used as a solvent that is insoluble in water.
  • It can be used to lower the level of sugar.
  • Alcohol is used as a preservative in laboratories.