Question:
What is the nature of alcohols in aqueous medium?
What is the nature of alcohols in aqueous medium?
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Alcohols are neutral to litmus: both their acidic and basic character are extremely weak.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
- Acidic
- Basic
- Neutral
- Amphoteric
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Alcohols have an \(-\text{OH}\) group, but in water they ionise only to a negligible extent.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Alcohols are very weak acids (\(pK_a\) about 16-18 for simple alcohols, close to water) and equally feeble bases. A solution of an alcohol in water does not change the pH noticeably and does not change the colour of litmus.
So, in aqueous medium, alcohols behave as neutral compounds.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Option (C), neutral.
Final Answer:
Alcohols do not change the pH of water. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{Neutral}} \]
Alcohols have an \(-\text{OH}\) group, but in water they ionise only to a negligible extent.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Alcohols are very weak acids (\(pK_a\) about 16-18 for simple alcohols, close to water) and equally feeble bases. A solution of an alcohol in water does not change the pH noticeably and does not change the colour of litmus.
So, in aqueous medium, alcohols behave as neutral compounds.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Option (C), neutral.
Final Answer:
Alcohols do not change the pH of water. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{Neutral}} \]
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