JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3o1185
Which alcohol undergoes Fischer esterification with acetic acid (acid catalyst, same conditions) at the highest rate?
Aethanol
B2-methylpropan-2-ol
Cpropan-2-ol
Dmethanol
Answer: D
The rate-determining attack of the alcohol oxygen on the protonated carbonyl carbon is sterically sensitive. Rate falls with increasing branching: methanol > primary > secondary > tertiary, so methanol is fastest.