See image — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Solution **Key Concept:** Acidity depends on the stability of the conjugate base formed after H⁺ loss. $$\text{(CH}_3\text{)}_3\text{COH} \rightarrow \text{(CH}_3\text{)}_3\text{CO}^- + \text{H}^+$$ $$\text{(H}_3\text{C)}_3\text{SiOH} \rightarrow \text{(H}_3\text{C)}_3\text{SiO}^- + \text{H}^+$$ **Why (H₃C)₃SiOH is more acidic:** 1. **Silanol forms a more stable conjugate base** — The negative charge on $\text{(H}_3\text{C)}_3\text{SiO}^-$ is better stabilized through **back-bonding (p_d interaction)**. 2. **Silicon can expand its octet** — Unlike carbon (which has only p-orbitals), silicon has accessible d-orbitals that allow the oxygen's lone pairs to delocalize into Si-d orbitals: $\text{Si}=\text{O}$ resonance stabilization. 3. **Carbon cannot use d-orbitals** — The alkoxide $\text{(CH}_3\text{)}_3\text{CO}^-$ lacks this stabilization mechanism, making it less stable. **Result:** More stable conjugate base = stronger acid $$\boxed{\text{Answer: (B)}}$$