Question

The order of reactivity of alcohols with sodium metal is:

• A. $3^o>2^o>1^o$
• B. $1^o>2^o>3^o$
• C. $2^o>3^o>1^o$
• D. $3^o<2>1^o$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $1^o>2^o>3^o$

Option B is correct.
Alkyl groups have +I-effect. As the number of alkyl groups increases from 1 to 2 to 3 in going from 1° to 2° to 3° alcohols, the electron density in the $O-H$ bond increases and the bond becomes stronger and stronger. In other words, acidic character of alcohols decreases in the order $1°>2°>3°$.
Since Na metal is basic and alcohols are acidic in nature, therefore, reactivity of Na metal towards alcohols decreases as the acidic strength of alcohols decreases, i.e., in the order : $1°>2°>3°$.