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CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 16.1.5 Acidity of Alcohols Compared with Water Questions

Practise explaining why alcohols are weaker acids than water while both can react with sodium to release hydrogen.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Chemistry 9701
Level
AS

Exam points

  • state that alkyl groups donate electron density towards oxygen by the positive inductive effect
  • link donation to a stronger or less polar O–H bond and lower tendency to release H+
  • distinguish alcohol acidity from sodium reactions, where alcohols and water both release H2

CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 16.1.5 Acidity of Alcohols Compared with Water Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

When ethanol reacts with sodium metal, ethoxide ions, CH3CH2O−\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{O}^{-}, are produced.
When water reacts with sodium metal, OH−\mathrm{OH}^{-}ions are produced.

Which statement about these reactions and the ethoxide ion is correct?

A

At the same temperature, the rate of reaction between sodium and ethanol is greater than that between sodium and water.

B

CH3CH2O−\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{O}^{-}is a stronger base than OH−\mathrm{OH}^{-}due to the electron-donating effect of the ethyl group.

C

The negative charge on the oxygen in an ethoxide ion is delocalised.

D

It is easier to deprotonate ethanol as it is more acidic than water.

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