question_answer

Directions : (1 - 5)

Case I : Read the passage given below an answer the following questions from 1 to 5.

Both alcohols and phenols are acidic in nature, but phenols are more acidic than alcohols. Acidic strength of alcohols mainly depends upon the inductive effect. Acidic strength of phenols depends upon a combination of both inductive effect and resonance effects of the substituent and its position on the benzene ring. Electron withdrawing groups increases the acidic strength of phenols whereas electron donating groups decreases the acidic strength of phenols. Phenol is a weaker acid than carboxylic acid.

Phenols are highly acidic as compared to alcohols due to

A) the higher molecular mass of phenols

B) the stronger hydrogen bonds in phenols

C) alkoxide ion is a strong conjugate base

D) phenoxide ion is resonance stabilised.