Question

If an amine is added to a solution containing a carboxylic acid and phenol, which of the following will occur?

• A. Both acid and phenol will be converted to their corresponding conjugate base.
• B. Phenol will react more quickly than carboxylic acid.
• C. The carboxylic acid will react more quickly than phenol.
• D. Both will react at roughly equal rate.

Answer 1

The correct option is C The carboxylic acid will react more quickly than phenol.

Amine is basic in nature. Carboxylic acid is stronger acid compared to phenol.
With base, stronger acid reacts more quickly than weak acid.
The carboxylic acid (stronger acid) will react more quickly than phenol (weaker acid).