Assertion : `C_(2)H_(5)OH` is a weaker base than phenol but is a stronger nucleophile than phenol.
Reason : In phenol the lone pair of electrons on oxygen is withdrawn towards the ring due to resonance.

Options

A. Both assertion and reason are correct statements, and reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
B. Both assertion and reason are correct statements, but reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion
C. Assertion is correct, but reason is wrong statement.
D. Assertion is wrong, but reason is correct statement.

Answer

To analyze the assertion and reason provided in the question, we will break down the concepts of basicity and nucleophilicity for both ethanol (C₂H₅OH) and phenol (C₆H₅OH).

### Step 1: Understanding Basicity
- Basicity refers to the ability of a compound to accept protons (H⁺ ions).
- Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) has a hydroxyl (-OH) group, which can donate a lone pair of electrons to a proton, making it a weak base.
- Phenol (C₆H₅OH) also has a hydroxyl group, but the lone pair of electrons on the oxygen atom can participate in resonance with the aromatic ring.

**Conclusion**: Due to resonance stabilization in phenol, the lone pair on oxygen is less available for protonation compared to ethanol. Therefore, ethanol is a weaker base than phenol.

### Step 2: Understanding Nucleophilicity
- Nucleophilicity refers to the ability of a compound to donate a pair of electrons to an electrophile.
- In ethanol, the lone pair on the oxygen atom is more available for donation because it is not involved in resonance with an aromatic system.
- In phenol, the resonance effect pulls the electron density away from the oxygen, making the lone pair less available for nucleophilic attack.

**Conclusion**: Ethanol is a stronger nucleophile than phenol because its lone pair is more available for donation.

### Step 3: Analyzing the Assertion and Reason
- The assertion states that "C₂H₅OH is a weaker base than phenol but is a stronger nucleophile than phenol." This is correct based on our analysis.
- The reason states that "In phenol, the lone pair of electrons on oxygen is withdrawn towards the ring due to resonance." This is also correct as it explains why phenol is a weaker nucleophile.

### Final Conclusion
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion.

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