Base strength of [figure] is in the order of
- (i) > (iii) > (ii)
- (i) > (ii) > (iii)
- (ii) > (i) > (iii)
- (iii) > (ii) > (i)
Answer
(2) (i) > (ii) > (iii)
Solution
The negative charge of the three carbanions is on sp3, sp2 and sp carbon respectively.
As per NCERT, the greater the s-character of a hybrid orbital, the more electronegative the carbon (sp > sp2 > sp3); a more electronegative carbon holds the lone pair more tightly ⇒ weaker base.
⇒ Equivalently, the conjugate acids have acidity HC CH > CH2=CH2 > CH3-CH3, so their conjugate bases have the reverse basicity.
∴ Base strength: (i) > (ii) > (iii)
Answer: (2)