Ncert Exercises & Solutions

Which of the following species can act as the strongest base?

1. $^{⊝} O H$

2. $^{⊝} O R$

3. $^{⊝} O C_{6} H_{5}$

HINT: Strong acid has weak conjugate base.

EXPLAINATION(2)
Weakest acid has the strongest conjugate base. ROH is the acid of

{RO}^{-}

conjugate base, HOH is the acid of

{}^{-}{OH}, C_{6} H_{5} OH

is the acid of

C_{6} H_{5} O^{-}

and

is the acid of

Among all these acids, ROH is the weakest acid.

Therefore, the strongest base is ${RO}^{-}$ and the correct option is (2)