Question

Consider thiol anion $(RS^?)$ and alkoxy anion $(RO^?)$. Which of the following statements is correct ?

• A. $RS^?$ is less basic but more nucleophilic than $RO^?$.
• B. $RS^?$ is more basic and more nucleophilic than $RO^?$.
• C. $RS^?$ is more basic but less nucleophilic than $RO^?$.
• D. $RS^?$ is less basic and less nucleophilic than $RO^?$.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$RS^?$ is less basic but more nucleophilic than $RO^?$.

Answer 2

$RS ^?$ is more nucleophilic than $R-O^?$ due to larger size of orbitals and polarization but $RS^?$ is less basic than $R-O^?$ as the negative charge get stabilized due to larger size of sulphur atom.