Question

Select the correct statement(s).

• A. Alcohols are weaker acids than water
• B. Water is a better proton donor than alcohol
• C. Sodium ethoxide is a stronger base than sodium hydroxide
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Alcohols are weaker acids than water.
$\underset{\text{(}Base)}{R{O}^S}+\underset{\text{Acid}}{H_{2}O}⟶\underset{\text{Conjugate acid}}{R-O-H}+\underset{\text{Conjugate acid}}{{}^{-}OH}$
This reaction shows that water is better proton donor (i.e. stronger acid) than alcohols. An alkoxide ion is a better proton acceptor than hydroxide ion which suggests that alkoxides are stronger bases. Sodium ethoxide is a stronger base than sodium hydroxide.