Chemistry - GOC Question with Solution | TestHub

Both conjugate bases are alkoxides with the charge localised on oxygen, so compare the carbon framework : the tert-butoxide carbon carries three alkyl groups whose +I effect pushes electron density toward the oxygen and destabilises the anion. The less substituted isopropoxide is more stable, so propan-2-ol (a) is more acidic than tert-butanol (b).