Class NEET 2026 ALL Q #1972
COMPETENCY BASED
APPLY
4 Marks 2026 NTA-RE-NEET-2026 MCQ SINGLE
Arrange the following compounds in the increasing order of polarity: A. $CH_{3}CH_{2}OCH_{2}CH_{3}$, B. $CH_{3}CH_{2}OH$, C. $CH_{3}COCH_{3}$, D. $CH_{3}COOH$. Choose the correct answer from the options given below.
(A) $A
(B) $A
(C) $C
(D) $C
Correct Answer: A

AI Tutor Explanation

Powered by Gemini

Detailed Solution

Step 1: Analyze the functional groups

To determine polarity, we examine the dipole moment and intermolecular forces of each compound:

  • A: Diethyl ether ($CH_{3}CH_{2}OCH_{2}CH_{3}$) - Weakly polar due to C-O-C bond.
  • B: Ethanol ($CH_{3}CH_{2}OH$) - Polar due to -OH group, capable of hydrogen bonding.
  • C: Acetone ($CH_{3}COCH_{3}$) - Polar due to C=O bond, but lacks hydrogen bonding.
  • D: Acetic acid ($CH_{3}COOH$) - Highly polar due to the presence of both C=O and -OH groups, allowing for strong hydrogen bonding and resonance.

Step 2: Compare dipole moments and intermolecular interactions

The polarity order is governed by the strength of the dipole and the ability to form hydrogen bonds:

  • Diethyl ether (A) has the lowest polarity among the four.
  • Acetone (C) has a higher dipole moment than ether due to the strong C=O bond.
  • Ethanol (B) has a significant dipole and can form intermolecular hydrogen bonds, making it more polar than acetone.
  • Acetic acid (D) is the most polar because the carboxyl group (-COOH) exhibits strong polarity and extensive hydrogen bonding.

Step 3: Arrange in increasing order

Based on the analysis: $$A < C < B < D$$

Final Answer: A < C < B < D

AI generated content. Review strictly for academic accuracy.

Pedagogical Audit
Bloom's Analysis: This is an APPLY question because the student must apply knowledge of functional group properties and intermolecular forces to predict relative polarity.
Knowledge Dimension: CONCEPTUAL
Justification: The question requires understanding the underlying chemical principles of dipole moments and hydrogen bonding rather than rote memorization of values.
Syllabus Audit: In the context of NEET, this is classified as COMPETENCY. This question tests the student's ability to compare chemical characteristics across different organic families, a core skill for NEET chemistry.