Question

The correct order of ease of cleavage of ether linkage by hydrogen halide follows:

• A. $HI>HBr>HCl$
• B. $HBr>HI>HCl$
• C. $HCl>HBr>HI$
• D. $HCl>HI>HBr$
• E. $HI>HCl>HBr$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $HI>HBr>HCl$

As the size of halogen atom increases, the $H-X$ (where $X=$ halogen atom) bond length increases which makes the bond weaker. Thus, $HI$ is most reactive and $HCl$ is least reactive to cleavage an ether linkage.
The order of ease of cleavage would be:
$HI>HBr>HCl$
Option A is correct.