Final Answer:
The residual solvent signal for the methylene (-CH₂-) protons of CH₃CH₂OH is signal [b] (c) [a] = 3.78 ppm, [b] = 6.55 ppm. (Option c)
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical shifts in NMR spectra are expressed in parts per million (ppm) and serve as a reference for identifying different chemical environments within a molecule. In this case, the residual solvent signal for CDCl₃, represented as [a], is commonly known to occur around 7.26 ppm. On the other hand, the residual solvent signal for the methylene (-CH₂-) protons of CH₃CH₂OH, represented as [b], is expected to be lower.
The correct choice (c) aligns with this expectation, where [a] is lower than 7.26 ppm, and [b] is higher than 7.26 ppm. This corresponds to [a] = 3.78 ppm and [b] = 6.55 ppm.
Understanding NMR spectra and chemical shifts is crucial in organic chemistry, where researchers use these signals to deduce the structure and environment of different nuclei within a molecule. The specific values mentioned in the options are consistent with typical chemical shifts observed in NMR experiments for these types of signals.(Option c)