Question

Which is more reactive towards Na: tertiary alcohol or primary alcohol?

Answer 1

Reaction of Na with alcohols occurs as follows :

2ROH + 2Na (s) → 2RONa + H₂(g)
Alcohol Sodium Alkoxide

This is a test for the presence of Active hydrogen in alcohols.

And since primary alcohols are most acidic and tertiary being least acidic because of +I effect of alkyl group ,therefore primary alcohols react fastest with Na and tertiary alcohols will react slow as compared to that of 1^oand 2^o alcohols.

Reactivity order
1^o > 2^o > 3^o