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Which of the following represents the correct order of acidic strength in alcohols?

a) RCH2OH > R2CHOH > R3COH
b) R3COH > R2CHOH > RCH2OH
c) R2CHOH > RCH2OH > R3COH
d) RCH2OH > R3COH > R2CHOH

User Korben
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The correct order of acidic strength in alcohols is RCH2OH > R2CHOH > R3COH, which means primary alcohols are more acidic than secondary ones, and secondary alcohols are more acidic than tertiary alcohols.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct order representing the acidic strength of alcohols is RCH2OH > R2CHOH > R3COH, corresponding to primary alcohols being more acidic than secondary, which are more acidic than tertiary alcohols.

Acidic strength in alcohols decreases with an increase in alkyl (R) groups because alkyl groups have an electron-donating effect, making the oxygen less likely to release the hydrogen as a proton, which is a key characteristic of acidity. Therefore, the correct answer is option (a) RCH2OH > R2CHOH > R3COH.

User JackStinger
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