Q.

Which one of the following compounds will readily react with dilute NaOH                           [2024]

1 C6H5OH  
2 C6H5CH2OH  
3 (CH3)3COH  
4 C2H5OH  

Ans.

(1)

Acidic strength order is:
Phenols > CH3OH > water > alcohols

Acid-base reactions proceed from stronger to weaker side.