Assertion: `C_(2)H_(5)OH` is a weaker base than phenol but is a stronger nucleophile than phenol. (1)
Reason: In phenol the lone pair of electrons on oxygen is withdrawn towards the ring due to resonance.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 solve the question, we need to analyze the assertion and the reason provided.

### Step 1: Understanding the Assertion
The assertion states that ethanol (C₂H₅OH) is a weaker base than phenol (C₆H₅OH) but is a stronger nucleophile than phenol.

- **Weaker Base Comparison**:
- Ethanol can lose a proton (H⁺) to form ethoxide ion (C₂H₅O⁻).
- Phenol can lose a proton to form phenoxide ion (C₆H₅O⁻).
- Phenol is more acidic than ethanol due to the resonance stabilization of the phenoxide ion, making ethanol a weaker base than phenol.

### Step 2: Analyzing the Nucleophilicity
The assertion also claims that ethanol is a stronger nucleophile than phenol.

- **Nucleophilicity**:
- Nucleophilicity refers to the ability of a species to donate a pair of electrons.
- In phenol, the lone pair of electrons on the oxygen atom is delocalized into the aromatic ring due to resonance, making it less available for nucleophilic attack.
- In ethanol, the lone pair on the oxygen is not involved in resonance with an aromatic system, making it more available for nucleophilic reactions.

### Step 3: Understanding the Reason
The reason states that in phenol, the lone pair of electrons on oxygen is withdrawn towards the ring due to resonance.

- **Resonance Effect**:
- This statement is true. The resonance in phenol stabilizes the molecule and reduces the availability of the lone pair on the oxygen for nucleophilic attack.

### Conclusion
- The assertion is incorrect because while ethanol is indeed a weaker base than phenol, it is also a stronger nucleophile due to the availability of the lone pair on oxygen.
- The reason is correct as it accurately describes the effect of resonance in phenol.

### Final Answer
- The assertion is false, but the reason is true. Therefore, the correct answer is option D: Assertion is wrong, but the reason is correct.

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