To determine which of the statements is correct, we will analyze each statement one by one based on our understanding of acids, bases, and their conjugate forms.
### Step-by-Step Solution:
1. **Statement 1: Alcohol is a stronger acid than water.**
- To evaluate this, we need to consider the stability of the conjugate bases formed when alcohol (R-OH) and water (H2O) donate a proton (H+).
- When alcohol donates a proton, it forms the alkoxide ion (R-O^-). The alkoxide ion has an oxygen atom that is negatively charged and is also influenced by the alkyl group (R). The electron-donating nature of R increases the electron density on oxygen, making the negative charge less stable.
- In contrast, when water donates a proton, it forms the hydroxide ion (OH^-). The hydroxide ion is more stable because the negative charge is not destabilized by an electron-donating group.
- Therefore, since the conjugate base of water (OH^-) is more stable than that of alcohol (R-O^-), water is a stronger acid than alcohol.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is **incorrect**.
2. **Statement 2: Alkoxide ion is a stronger base than hydroxide ion.**
- The alkoxide ion (R-O^-) has a lone pair of electrons on the oxygen atom, which is enhanced by the electron-donating alkyl group (R). This makes the lone pair more available for donation, thus increasing its basicity.
- The hydroxide ion (OH^-) also has a lone pair, but it does not have the same level of electron donation from an alkyl group.
- Therefore, the alkoxide ion (R-O^-) is indeed a stronger base than the hydroxide ion (OH^-).
- **Conclusion**: This statement is **correct**.
3. **Statement 3: Amide is a weaker base than alkoxide.**
- The structure of an amide (R-C(=O)-NH2) shows that the nitrogen atom has a lone pair of electrons. However, in an amide, the lone pair on nitrogen is partially delocalized due to resonance with the carbonyl group (C=O), which reduces its availability for donation.
- In contrast, the alkoxide ion (R-O^-) has a localized lone pair that is readily available for donation, making it a stronger base.
- Therefore, alkoxide is indeed a stronger base than amide.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is **correct**.
4. **Statement 4: Alcohol is a stronger base than hydroxide ion.**
- Alcohols (R-OH) can act as weak acids, but they are not stronger bases than hydroxide ions. The hydroxide ion (OH^-) is a well-known strong base.
- Therefore, this statement is **incorrect**.
### Final Answer:
The correct statement among the options provided is **Statement 2: Alkoxide ion is a stronger base than hydroxide ion**.
