Arrange the following compounds in the increasing order of polarity: A. CH₃CH₂OCH₂CH₃, B. CH₃CH₂OH, C. CH₃COCH₃, D. CH₃COOH.
- A.A < B < C < D
- B.C < A < D < B
- C.C < A < B < D
- D.A < C < B < D✓
Correct Answer
(D) A < C < B < D
Solution & Explanation
Concept: Polarity of these organic liquids rises with (a) the strength/polarity of the functional group and (b) the ability to hydrogen-bond. Order the four compounds: A. CH₃CH₂OCH₂CH₃ (diethyl ether) — only a weak C–O–C dipole, NO O–H to donate H-bonds → least polar. C. CH₃COCH₃ (acetone) — a polar C=O carbonyl (large dipole) but still NO O–H donor → more polar than ether. B. CH₃CH₂OH (ethanol) — has an O–H group, so it is both polar and a hydrogen-bond DONOR → more polar than acetone. D. CH₃COOH (acetic acid) — has –COOH: a carbonyl plus a strongly polarised, acidic O–H that forms strong (even dimeric) hydrogen bonds → most polar. Increasing polarity: A (ether) < C (acetone) < B (ethanol) < D (acetic acid). Answer D.
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