Which of the following statements regarding the relative basicity of the given species is correct?

Step-by-step solution

To determine the correct statement, we evaluate the relative basicity of the species in each option by looking at the stability of the ions or the availability of the lone pair on the nitrogen atom. Option (A): Phenoxide ion vs Benzoate ion The basicity of an anion is inversely proportional to the acidic strength of its conjugate acid. The conjugate acid of the phenoxide ion is phenol ( pK_a 10 ), and the conjugate acid of the benzoate ion is benzoic acid ( pK_a 4.2 ). Since benzoic acid is a much stronger acid tha