Which of the following is strongest base ?

(A) Br^-

(B) OH^-

(C) CN^-

(D) C₆H₅O^-

Friends ! Answer as given in my book is (B) OH^-, But I don’t know the reason behind the answer . So please give an explained answer !!!

Hello Student,

A strong base is a basic chemical compound that can remove a proton (H+) from (ordeprotonate) a molecule of even a very weak acid (such as water) in an acid-base reaction. Common examples of strong bases include hydroxides of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals.

The -ve charge is concentrated more on hydroxide due to its small size. In phenoxide the -ve charge is delocalized in the ring and the size of Br is very large.

Regards
IHE