Question

Alcohols can act either as weak acids or as weak bases, just as water can. Show the reaction of methanol,, with a strong acid such as HCl and with a strong base such as${\mathrm{Na}}^{+-}{\mathrm{NH}}_2$.

Short answer

Acids and bases which can be completely ionized on dissolving in water are known as strong acids and strong bases.

Step-by-step solution

Strong acids and strong base

Acids and bases which can be completely ionized on dissolving in water are known as strong acids and strong bases.

Weak acids and weak base

Acids and bases that partially ionize on water dissolving are known as weak acids and weak bases.

Reaction of a strong acid with alcohol

When treated with strong acid, alcohols act as a weak base, and due to the tendency of acids to give hydronium ion and base to accept hydronium ion, the reaction occurs is:

Reaction of a strong acid with alcohol

Reaction of strong base with alcohol

When treated with a strong base, alcohols act as a weak acid, and due to the tendency of acids to give hydronium ion and base to accept hydronium ion, the reaction occurs is:

Reaction to the strong base with alcohol