Identify the correct trend of acidic strength for the given alcohols
Show Hint
The acidity of alcohols decreases with increasing alkyl substitution because alkyl groups show a \(+I\) effect and destabilize the alkoxide ion.
\[
1^\circ \text{ alcohol} \gt 2^\circ \text{ alcohol} \gt 3^\circ \text{ alcohol}
\]
in acidic strength.
Step 1: Recall the effect of alkyl groups on alcohol acidity. Acidity of alcohols decreases as the number of alkyl groups on the carbon bearing -OH increases. Alkyl groups destabilise the alkoxide ion by induction (+I effect), making the alcohol less acidic.
Step 2: Apply the trend. Primary alcohol (fewest alkyl groups) is most acidic, secondary less, tertiary least. So: (i) primary > (ii) secondary > (iii) tertiary. \[ oxed{(i) \gt (ii) \gt (iii)} \]
