Which of following is an example of electrophilic attack on alcohols?
Correct answer: C. C2H5OH + HCl → C2H5Cl + H2O
- A. C2H5OH + CH3COOH → CH3COOC2H5 + H2O
- B. 2C2H5OH + 2Na → 2CH5ONa + H2
- C. C2H5OH + HCl → C2H5Cl + H2O
- D. Both A and B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option C: C2H5OH + HCl → C2H5Cl + H2O. In this reaction, ethanol acts as a nucleophile and attacks the electrophile, HCl, resulting in the formation of ethyl chloride and water. This is a classic example of electrophilic substitution where the alcohol is converted to an alkyl halide.Option A represents an esterification reaction, which is not a direct electrophilic attack on the alcohol. Option B is a reaction of alcohol with sodium, which is a redox reaction and does not involve electrophilic attack. Finally, Option D is incorrect because it suggests both A and B are correct, but they do not represent electrophilic attacks.
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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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