Of the two hydroxyl organic compounds ROH and R'OH, the first is basic and the other is acidic in behaviour. How is R different from R'?
Solution
R = alkyl: its +I effect pushes electrons toward O, holding the proton — ROH behaves as a (very weak) base/neutral alcohol.
R' = aryl (CH–): the ring delocalises the phenoxide charge, so R'OH (phenol) ionises as an acid.
Difference: \textbf{R is alkyl, R' is aryl}.
R' = aryl (CH–): the ring delocalises the phenoxide charge, so R'OH (phenol) ionises as an acid.
Difference: \textbf{R is alkyl, R' is aryl}.
CBSE Class 12 Board · 2002 · Delhi · Subjective