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KCET · Chemistry · General Organic Chemistry

Which of the following is the strongest base?

  1. A \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COO}^{-}\)
  2. B \(\mathrm{Cl}^{-}\)
  3. C \(\mathrm{OH}^{-}\)
  4. D \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{-}\)
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(D) \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{-}\)

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

We know, an anion is strongest base, if its conjugate acid is weakest.
Here, \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COO}^{-}\)will have conjugate acid \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COOH}\).
\(\mathrm{Cl}^{-}\)will have conjugate acid HCl.
\(\mathrm{OH}^{-}\)will have conjugate acid HOH. \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{-}\)will have conjugate acid \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OH}\).
Since, out of above four, \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OH}\) will be the weakest acid and hence, \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{-}\)will be strongest base.