When O-H bond breaks in alcohol, the order of reactivity is
Correct answer: B. Methyl alcohol >primary alcohol > secondary alcohol > tertiary alcohol
- A. Primary alcohol >secondary alcohol >tertiary alcohol
- B. Methyl alcohol >primary alcohol > secondary alcohol > tertiary alcohol
- C. Primary alcohol < secondary alcohol < tertiary alcohol
- D. Ethanol > primary alcohol > secondary alcohol > tertiary alcohol
Explanation
Option B is correct since the order of reactivity of alcohols when the O-H bond breaks are methyl alcohol(greatest degree of cleavage) --- primary alcohol---secondary alcohol and tertiary alcohol (lowest degree of cleavage) due to the greater electron-donating effect of three alkyl groups rather than one. Option A is incorrect since it does not talk about the methyl alcohol. Option C is incorrect since it states the order of reactivity in the reverse order. Option D is incorrect since it mentions ethanol which can be included in primary alcohol rather than methanol.
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About Alcohols and Phenols
Alcohols are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary and studied through their hydrogen bonding, acidity, oxidation and reactions with active metals, acids and halogenating agents. Phenols require separate treatment because the hydroxyl group is attached to an aromatic ring, making their acidity and electrophilic substitution different from ordinary alcohols.
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