In: Chemistry
In regards to reactivity with sodium metal please confirm my statement that:
***"Primary alcohols react faster/most with Sodium metals, and tertiary alcohols react the slowest". ***
1. Methyl alcohol will react FASTER with sodium metal than 2-propanol. TRUE
2. In order from least reactive to most with sodium metal: tert-butyl alcohol, 2-butanol, 1-butanol. (with respect to their acidity)
Yes, Primary alcohols react faster/most with Sodium metals, and tertiary alcohols react the slowest".
1. Ans :- Methyl alcohol will react FASTER with sodium metal than 2-propanol is TRUE ,because methyl alcohol is stronger acid than secondary alcohol i.e. 2-propanol and will give H+ ion more easily.
NOTE :- Electron releasing such as -CH3 groups decreases the acidic nature of alcohols.
Methyl alcohol contains only one electron releasing such as -CH3 group while 2-propanol contains two -CH3 groups.
CH3OH + Na --------------> CH3ONa + 1/2 H2(Fast)
CH3CH(OH)CH3 + Na ---------> CH3CH(ONa)CH3 + 1/2 H2(Slow).
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2.Ans :- In order from least reactive to most with sodium metal: tert-butyl alcohol, 2-butanol, 1-butanol. (with respect to their acidity) is TRUE. As, number of electron releasing such as -CH3 groups decreases the reactivity as well as acidic strength of alcohol.
Therefore, Correct order from least reactive to most with sodium metal is : tert-butyl alcohol < 2-butanol (secondary alcohol) < 1-butanol (Primary alcohol).