Q. Which one of the following compounds has the most acidic nature?
A) (C₆H₁₁)₂CHOH (dicyclohexylmethanol)
B) C₆H₅CH₂OH (benzyl alcohol)
C) C₆H₅OH (phenol)
D) C₆H₁₁OH (cyclohexanol)
Explanation
[Solution from source] Phenol is far more acidic (pKa ≈ 10) than any alcohol because the phenoxide ion is resonance-stabilised by the ring. Benzyl alcohol, cyclohexanol and dicyclohexylmethanol give alkoxide ions with no such delocalisation. Answer (3).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.