JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3g2076
Arrange the conjugate bases in decreasing order of basic strength using pKa values of the conjugate acids (ethanol 15.9, phenol 10.0, acetic acid 4.76): CHX3CHX2OX−, CX6HX5OX−, CHX3COOX−.
ACHX3CHX2OX− > CX6HX5OX− > CHX3COOX−
BCHX3COOX− > CX6HX5OX− > CHX3CHX2OX−
CCX6HX5OX− > CHX3CHX2OX− > CHX3COOX−
DCHX3CHX2OX− > CHX3COOX− > CX6HX5OX−
Answer: A
The weaker the conjugate acid, the stronger the conjugate base. Order of pKa: ethanol 15.9 > phenol 10.0 > acetic acid 4.76, so basic strength follows ethoxide > phenoxide > acetate.