Alcohols and Ethers - Result Question 9
####12. The acidic hydrolysis of ether $(X)$ shown below is fastest when
(2014 Adv.)
$[X]$
(a) one phenyl group is replaced by a methyl group
(b) one phenyl group is replaced by a para-methoxyphenyl group
(c) two phenyl groups are replaced by two para-methoxyphenyl groups
(d) no structural change is made to $X$
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Answer:
Correct Answer: 12. (c)
Solution:
- PLAN This problem can be solved by using the concept of stability of carbocation and $S _N 1$ reaction.
When two phenyl groups are replaced by two para methoxy group, carbocation formed will be more stable. As the stability of carbocation formed increases, rate of acidic hydrolysis increases.
Hence, (c) is the correct choice.
