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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3g2149

In the gas phase, which of the following alcohols is the most acidic?

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Answer: A

In the gas phase there is no solvent, so the larger and more polarisable alkyl groups stabilise the alkoxide anion better by charge dispersal. The order is , the reverse of that in water, where solvation dominates.
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