Question

Which of the following statement is correct for the stability of ions of ethyl alcohol and phenol :

• A. Localisation of π-electrons in phenoxide ion
• B. Delocalisation of electrons in ethoxide ion
• C. Delocalisation of $\pi$-electrons in phenoxide ion
• D. Inductive effect of ethyl and phenyl group

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Resonance stabilisation of phenoxide ion
Phenoxide ion is more stable than ethoxide ion due
to resonance. Therefore, the ionisation constant of
phenol is higher than ethanol.