Which one is least reactive towards reaction with Na?
Correct answer: C. CH3OCH3 (Diethyl Ether)
- A. HCOOH (Formic Acid)
- B. CH3CH2COOH (Propanoic Acid)
- C. CH3OCH3 (Diethyl Ether)
- D. CH3COOH (Acetic Acid)
Explanation
The correct answer is CH3OCH3 (Diethyl Ether). Diethyl ether does not contain an active hydrogen atom that sodium can displace, unlike carboxylic acids such as formic acid (HCOOH), propanoic acid (CH3CH2COOH), and acetic acid (CH3COOH). These acids have a hydrogen atom in their carboxyl group that reacts with sodium to release hydrogen gas, making them more reactive than diethyl ether when reacted with sodium.
This question appeared on the ETEA MDCAT 2013 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? [email protected]
About Alcohols
Alcohols contain a hydroxyl group attached to a saturated carbon atom and are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary. Their nomenclature, hydrogen bonding, acidity, oxidation, dehydration, reaction with sodium and conversion to haloalkanes are covered, along with the distinction between alcohols and phenols, where the hydroxyl group is attached directly to an aromatic ring.
Practise Alcohols and Phenols
535 free Alcohols and Phenols MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this
Chemistry is on 14 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Alcohols questions
Which is the correct product formed when monohydric alcohol reacts with sodium metal?
To distinguish among primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols which of the following tests is used?
Which one of the following will not undergo dehydrogenation?
The major product of acid catalysed dehydration of 3- pentanol is:
Excess of ethanol is heated with conc: sulphuric acid keeping the temperature 140°C. The product formed is
Choose reaction that does not require ZnCl3 catalyst: