Question

Why propan-2-ol is more basic than propan-1-0l

Answer 1

Propanol on loosing a proton become $CH_3CH_2CH_2O^-$ whereas propan-2-ol on loosing a proton becomes  $CH_3CH_2(O^-)CH_3$.

In $CH_3CH_2(O^-)CH_3$, two methyl group are present. These methyl group having +I effect on central O^- due to which negative charge increases on oxygen to high enough in comparison to $CH_3CH_2CH_2O^-$ having only one methyl group.

Thus, in $CH_3CH_2(O^-)CH_3$ the proton will not get detached from oxygen as easily as in comparison to $CH_3CH_2CH_2O^-$ due to which propan-2-ol become less acidic and hence more basic in comparison to propan-1-ol

Answer 2

when propan 2 ol lose H+ ion then it's o- ion's basic character increases due to + i increases as compare to propan 1 ol