Which one the following compounds will readily react with dilute NaOH ?
(A)C6H5CH2OH
(B)C2H5OH
(C)(CH3)3COH
(D)C6H5OH✓ Correct
Answer: (D)
Solution
Phenol (C6H5OH) is acidic enough (its conjugate base, phenoxide, is resonance-stabilised) to react readily with dilute NaOH, forming sodium phenoxide and water. Benzyl alcohol, ethanol and tert-butanol are far weaker acids and do not react with dilute NaOH.
JEE Main · 2024 · 08 Apr 2024 · Shift 2 · Single correct option