Amongst the following, the total number of compounds soluble in aqueous NaOH is
Compounds soluble in aqueous NaOH are typically those that can act as acids and form soluble sodium salts. These include carboxylic acids, phenols, and some other acidic compounds. Let's analyze each compound:
Step 1: Identify acidic functional groups
Compounds with -COOH (carboxylic acid) or phenolic -OH groups are acidic and will react with NaOH to form soluble salts.
Step 2: Analyze each compound:
1. (Phenol): Acidic, soluble in NaOH.
2. : Not acidic; it is an alkyl halide, insoluble.
3. (Benzoic acid): Carboxylic acid, soluble in NaOH.
4. (Benzenesulfonic acid): Strongly acidic, soluble in NaOH.
5. (Aniline): Basic, not acidic; insoluble in NaOH.
6. (Benzyl alcohol): Neutral alcohol, not acidic; insoluble.
7. (Benzaldehyde): Aldehyde, not acidic; insoluble.
8. (Acetophenone): Ketone, not acidic; insoluble.
9. (Methyl benzoate): Ester, not acidic; insoluble.
10. (Benzamide): Amide, not acidic; insoluble.
Step 3: Count soluble compounds
Only compounds 1 (phenol), 3 (benzoic acid), and 4 (benzenesulfonic acid) are soluble in aqueous NaOH.
Final Answer: 3 compounds are soluble.
Acidity and Solubility in NaOH:
Compounds with acidic protons (pKa < 15-16) react with NaOH: . Carboxylic acids (pKa ~4-5), phenols (pKa ~10), and sulfonic acids (pKa ~-6) are acidic enough.
Key Functional Groups:
- Carboxylic acids: -COOH
- Phenols: Aromatic -OH
- Sulfonic acids: -SO3H
These form water-soluble salts with NaOH.