Question:

Assertion (A) : Phenol is less acidic than alcohol.

Reason (R) : Phenoxide ion is more stable than alkoxide ion.

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Phenol (\(\mathrm{pK_a} \approx 10\)) is more acidic than alcohols (\(\mathrm{pK_a} \approx 16\)) because the phenoxide ion is stabilised by resonance. So A is false and R is true.
Updated On: Oct 28, 2026
  • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The acidity of a compound \(\mathrm{HA}\) is decided by how easily it gives up \(\mathrm{H^+}\). The more stable the conjugate base \(\mathrm{A^-}\) is, the stronger the acid. So we compare the stability of the phenoxide ion with that of the alkoxide ion.

Step 2: Stability of the phenoxide ion.
In phenoxide ion the negative charge on oxygen is spread over the benzene ring by resonance. It sits on the ortho and para carbons as well as on oxygen. Spreading a charge over more atoms makes an ion more stable.

Step 3: Stability of the alkoxide ion.
In an alkoxide ion such as \(\mathrm{C_2H_5O^-}\) the charge stays on oxygen alone. The alkyl group also pushes electrons towards oxygen by its +I effect. This makes the charge denser and the ion less stable.

Step 4: Check the Reason (R).
By Steps 2 and 3, phenoxide ion is more stable than alkoxide ion. So (R) is TRUE.

Step 5: Check the Assertion (A).
A more stable conjugate base means a stronger acid, so phenol is MORE acidic than alcohols. The \(\mathrm{pK_a}\) of phenol is about 10, while that of ethanol is about 16. The assertion says the opposite, so (A) is FALSE.

Step 6: Why the other options are wrong.
Options 1 and 2 need (A) to be true, but it is false. Option 3 needs (R) to be false, but it is true. Only option 4 fits.

Final Answer:
(A) is false and (R) is true. \[ \boxed{\text{Option 4 (D)}} \]
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