Question

Which is more basic oxygen in an ester?

• A. Carbonyl oxygen, $\alpha$
• B. Carboxyl oxygen, $\beta$
• C. Equally basic
• D. Both are acidic oxygen

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Carbonyl oxygen, $\alpha$

Answer 2

$\alpha-O$ oxygen atom can donate lone pair of electron more easily, therefore, it is more basic than $\beta$-oxygen.