Question
Chemistry Question on Acids, Bases And Salts
Arrange the following in increasing order of their pH values:
(A) p-Nitrophenol,
(B) m-Cresol,
(C) m-Nitrophenol,
(D) Phenol.
A
(A) < (B) < (C) < (D)
B
(A) < (C) < (D) < (B)
C
(B) < (A) < (D) < (C)
D
(C) < (B) < (D) < (A)
Answer
(C) < (B) < (D) < (A)
Explanation
Solution
The pH values are determined by the acidic strength of each compound. p-Nitrophenol, having an electron-withdrawing group, is the most acidic, followed by m-Cresol and m-Nitrophenol. Phenol, with no substituents, is the least acidic among these compounds.