NEETChemistryAlcohols Phenols and Ethers
What property of alcohols makes them proton acceptors and, therefore, Bronsted bases?
Options
- AThe presence of unshared electron pairs on oxygen
- BThe presence of a carbonyl group (C=O)
- CThe presence of a nitro group (-NO 2 )
- DThe presence of a halogen atom (e.g., Cl)
Correct answer
A. The presence of unshared electron pairs on oxygen
Step-by-step solution
Alcohols can act as Bronsted bases due to the presence of unshared electron pairs on oxygen, which can accept protons.