Question
Chemistry Question on Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
The acidic hydrolysis of ether (X) shown below is fastest when:
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 a replaced by two para-methoxyphenyl groups
D
No structure change is made to X
Answer
Two phenyl groups a replaced by two para-methoxyphenyl groups
Explanation
Solution
Two phenyl groups are replaced by two para-methoxyphenyl groups. The acid hydrolysis reaction takes place through SN1 reaction, and para-methoxyphenyl groups help in the reactivity of SN1. The carbocation intermediate is highly stable because of the electron density.