Question

Given below are two statements: 
Statement (I): p-nitrophenol is more acidic than m-nitrophenol and o-nitrophenol. 
Statement (II): Ethanol will give immediate turbidity with Lucas reagent. 
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine the correct answer, let's examine both statements separately:

1. Statement I: p-nitrophenol is more acidic than m-nitrophenol and o-nitrophenol.
   • P-nitrophenol is more acidic due to the electron-withdrawing nitro group, which stabilizes the phenoxide ion through resonance and inductive effects, with the para position maximizing these effects.
   • O-nitrophenol's acidity is reduced by steric hindrance and hydrogen bonding. M-nitrophenol benefits less from resonance and inductive effects compared to the para isomer.
   • Consequently, p-nitrophenol is indeed more acidic than both m-nitrophenol and o-nitrophenol.
2. Statement II: Ethanol will give immediate turbidity with Lucas reagent.
   • Lucas reagent (hydrochloric acid and zinc chloride) differentiates alcohols by their reaction rate, indicated by turbidity formation.
   • Tertiary alcohols react immediately, secondary alcohols react within minutes, and primary alcohols show no reaction at room temperature.
   • Ethanol, a primary alcohol, does not produce immediate turbidity with Lucas reagent.
   • Therefore, Statement II is false.

Based on this analysis, Statement I is true because p-nitrophenol's enhanced acidity is accurately explained. Statement II is false as ethanol does not yield immediate turbidity with Lucas reagent.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Statement I is true but Statement II is false.