Q81 / 180 · NEET 2026 (Re-NEET) · Chemistry

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.

  • Correct answer
    A
    $\text{A}<\text{C}<\text{B}<\text{D}$
  • B
    $\text{A}<\text{B}<\text{C}<\text{D}$
  • C
    $\text{C}<\text{A}<\text{D}<\text{B}$
  • D
    $\text{C}<\text{A}<\text{B}<\text{D}$

Solution

The polarity of organic compounds depends on the presence of polar bonds and their ability to form hydrogen bonds.

Diethyl ether (A) has C-O bonds but lacks hydrogen bonding capabilities, making it the least polar among the given compounds.

Acetone (C) contains a highly polar C=O double bond, making it more polar than ethers, but it cannot act as a hydrogen bond donor.

Ethanol (B) contains an -OH group, which allows it to form strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds, making it more polar than ketones.

Acetic acid (D) contains both a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH). This allows for extensive hydrogen bonding (often forming dimers), making it the most polar of the given compounds.

Therefore, the increasing order of polarity is A $<$ C $<$ B $<$ D.

Answer: $\text{A}<\text{C}<\text{B}<\text{D}$

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.

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