Question

$-OH$ group present in alcohols is neutral while it is acidic in carboxylic acid because:

• A. in carboxylic acid $-OH$ group is attached to electron withdrawing carbonyl group
• B. in alcohols $-OH$ group is attached to alkyl group which is electron withdrawing
• C. carboxylic group is an electron releasing group
• D. alcoholic group is an electron withdrawing group

Answer 1

The correct option is A in carboxylic acid $-OH$ group is attached to electron withdrawing carbonyl group

In alcohols $-OH$ group is attached to an electron releasing group while in carboxylic acids $-OH$ group is attached to an electron withdrawing group making it more acidic.