Assertion : Phenol is more acidic than ethanol.
Reason : Phenoxide ion is resonance stabilized.

Options

A. If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
B. If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
C. If assertion is true but reason is false.
D. If both assertion and reason are false.

Answer

To solve the question, we need to analyze the assertion and the reason provided.

### Step 1: Understand the Assertion
The assertion states that **phenol is more acidic than ethanol**. To evaluate this, we need to consider the structures of both compounds and their ability to donate protons (H⁺).

### Step 2: Write the Structures
- **Phenol (C₆H₅OH)**: The structure consists of a benzene ring (C₆H₅) attached to a hydroxyl group (OH).
- **Ethanol (C₂H₅OH)**: The structure consists of an ethyl group (C₂H₅) attached to a hydroxyl group (OH).

### Step 3: Determine the Conjugate Bases
When phenol and ethanol lose a proton (H⁺), they form their respective conjugate bases:
- **Phenoxide Ion (C₆H₅O⁻)**: This is formed when phenol loses H⁺.
- **Ethoxide Ion (C₂H₅O⁻)**: This is formed when ethanol loses H⁺.

### Step 4: Analyze the Stability of Conjugate Bases
To determine the acidity, we need to analyze the stability of the conjugate bases:
- **Phenoxide Ion**: The negative charge on the oxygen can be delocalized through resonance with the aromatic ring. This means that the negative charge can be spread out over multiple atoms, increasing stability.
- **Ethoxide Ion**: The negative charge is localized on the oxygen atom and cannot be delocalized. Therefore, it is less stable compared to the phenoxide ion.

### Step 5: Conclusion on Acidity
Since the phenoxide ion is more stable due to resonance stabilization, phenol is more likely to donate a proton compared to ethanol. Thus, phenol is indeed more acidic than ethanol.

### Step 6: Analyze the Reason
The reason states that **phenoxide ion is resonance stabilized**. This is correct, as we have established that the negative charge on the phenoxide ion can be delocalized through resonance.

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

### Answer
Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

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