Chapter 8.3, Problem 8.5E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The alcohols needs to be arranged according to their acidity.

Concept introduction: Acidity of alcohols determine by their tendency to donate the hydrogen attach to oxygen present in the hydroxyl group (OH). The alcohol which can easily donate the hydrogen is considered as more acidic.

Inductive effect $\left(I\right)$ occurs when there is a difference between electronegativity between atoms present in a sigma bond. It is an electronic effect which causes polarization of bond.

The two types of inductive effects are as follows:

Positive inductive effect $\left(+I\right)$ : the group attach is electron-donating group.

Negative inductive effect $\left(-I\right)$ : the group attach is electron withdrawing group.