Question

Arrange the following alcohols in the increasing order of reactivity with $HBr$. (I) benzyl alcohol
(II) p-methyl benzyl alcohol
(III) p-nitrobenzyl alcohol
(IV)p-chlorobenzyl alcohol

• A. $I < II < III < IV$
• B. $III < IV < I < II$
• C. $II < I < IV < III$
• D. $IV < III < II < I$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Reactive intermediate carbocation is involved, hence greater the stability of carbocation, greater the reactivity of corresponding alcohols.

Stability order$ = B > A > D > C$
Reactivity $= II > I > IV > III$