The compound that is most difficult to protonate is : 1. H-O-H 2. H ₃ C-O-H 3. H ₃ C-O-CH ₃ 4. Ph-O-H

Answer: 4. Ph-O-H Protonation occurs on the oxygen lone pair; the more available the lone pair, the easier it is to protonate. H₂O , CH₃OH , CH₃OCH₃ : lone pairs are free (alkyl groups increase electron density). PhOH : the lone pair on O is delocalised into the benzene ring by resonance, so it is least available. Phenol is the most difficult to protonate: option (4).

Topic: Ethers· Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen

The compound that is most difficult to protonate is :

four structures (H2O, CH3OH, CH3OCH3, PhOH) as options

1. H-O-H

2. H\(_3\)C-O-H

3. H\(_3\)C-O-CH\(_3\)

4. Ph-O-H

Doubtly Asked 30 Oct 2026 NEET UG 2019 Practice test neet Save WhatsApp Report

1 answer

Best answer

Answer: 4. Ph-O-H

Protonation occurs on the oxygen lone pair; the more available the lone pair, the easier it is to protonate.

\(\mathrm{H_2O}\), \(\mathrm{CH_3OH}\), \(\mathrm{CH_3OCH_3}\): lone pairs are free (alkyl groups increase electron density).
\(\mathrm{PhOH}\): the lone pair on O is delocalised into the benzene ring by resonance, so it is least available.

Phenol is the most difficult to protonate: option (4).

Doubtly AI · 30 Oct 2026 AI-generated · not yet verified Report

Was this answer helpful?

The compound that is most difficult to protonate is :

1 answer

Your answer