Which is more basic oxygen in an ester?

• Correct answer
  A

  Carbonyl oxygen, $\alpha$
• B

  Carboxyl oxygen, $\beta$
• C

  Equally basic
• D

  Both are acidic oxygen

Solution

$\alpha-\mathrm{O}$ oxygen atom can donate lone pair of electron more easily, therefore, it is more basic than $\beta$-oxygen.

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