JEE Main 2026 — General Organic Chemistry Question with Solution

In methyl acetate, the $\alpha$ bond is a $C=O$ double bond, which is the shortest among the three.

The $\beta$ bond is a $C-O$ single bond adjacent to a carbonyl group. Due to resonance ($C{H}_3-C(=O)-O-C{H}_3\leftrightarrow C{H}_3-C(-O^{-})=O^{+}-C{H}_3$), the $\beta$ bond acquires partial double bond character, making it shorter than a pure single bond.

The $\gamma$ bond is a pure $C-O$ single bond between an $s{p}^3$ hybridized carbon and oxygen, with no resonance involvement. Thus, it is the longest bond.

Therefore, the correct order of bond lengths is $\alpha <\beta <\gamma$.

Answer: $\alpha <\beta <\gamma$