Question

In${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{OH}$, the bond that undergoes heterolytic cleavage most readily is:

• A. $\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{H}$
• B. $\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{O}$
• C. $\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{H}$
• D. $\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{C}$

Answer 1

The correct option is A

$\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{H}$

Explanation for the correct option:

Option (A): $\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{H}$

• In Ethanol ${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{OH}$, the order of electronegativity is given by ; $\mathrm{H}<\mathrm{C}<\mathrm{O}.$
• Here the most electronegativity difference exists between $\mathrm{O}$ and $\mathrm{H}$.
• Hence, this bond will contain a more ionic character and can be broken easily.
• Thus $\mathrm{O}–\mathrm{H}$ linkage readily undergoes heterolytic cleavage.

Explanation for the incorrect option:

Option (B): $\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{O}$

• The $\mathrm{C}–\mathrm{O}$ the bond represents a covalent bond, so it will not easily endure heterolytic cleavage.
• Hence the given option is the incorrect one.

Option (C): $\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{H}$

• Here $\mathrm{C}–\mathrm{H}$ is also a covalent bond, which will not break easily.
• Hence, the given option does not satisfy the correct concept.

Option (D): $\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{C}$

• The bond of$\mathrm{C}–\mathrm{C}$ is a covalent bond, hence it will not undergoes heterolytic cleavage easily.
• Thus, the given option does not coincide with the correct concept.

Therefore, Option (A) is the correct answer. In${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{OH}$, the bond that undergoes heterolytic cleavage most readily is $\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{H}$