CAIE A-Level Chemistry 16.1.5 Acidity of Alcohols and Water
Practise explaining why alcohols are less acidic than water through the positive inductive effect of alkyl groups.
- Syllabus
- 2028–2030
- Course
- Chemistry 9701
- Level
- AS
Exam points
- state that alkyl groups donate electron density towards oxygen through a positive inductive effect
- link this donation to a stronger or less polar O–H bond and reduced tendency to release H+
- distinguish lower acidity from the fact that both alcohols and water can react with sodium to release H2
16.1.5—Acidity of alcohols compared with water question 1
[Maximum number: 2]
Oxygen is a Group 16 element.
H2O reacts with both inorganic and organic compounds.
Explain why alcohols are less acidic than water.
alkyl groups are electron donating / have positive inductive effect.
strengthens the O−H bond / makes H+less likely to be donated
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