Ncert Exercises & Solutions

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

1.	$^\ominus \mathrm{OH}$	2.	$^\ominus \mathrm{O R}$
3.	${ }^{\ominus} \mathrm{OC}_6 \mathrm{H}_5$	4.

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)

1.	\(^\ominus \mathrm{OH}\)	2.	\(^\ominus \mathrm{O R}\)
3.	\({ }^{\ominus} \mathrm{OC}_6 \mathrm{H}_5\)	4.