Question

Given below are two statements:

Statement-l: The presence of electron withdrawing groups such as -NO$_2$, -CN, -CHO enhances the acidic strength of phenol.

Statement-II: Electron releasing group such as alkyl groups does not favour the formation of phenoxide ion.

In the light of the above statements choose the correct answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are true and Statement-II is the correct explanation of Statement-I.
• B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are true but Statement-II is NOT the correct explanation of Statement-I.
• C. Statement-I is true and Statement-II is false.
• D. Statement-I is false and Statement-II is true.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are true but Statement-II is NOT the correct explanation of Statement-I.

Answer 2

Statement-I is correct because electron-withdrawing groups stabilize the phenoxide ion by dispersing the negative charge. Statement-II is correct because electron-releasing groups destabilize the phenoxide ion. However, Statement-II explains the effect of ERGs, which is opposite to the effect of EWGs discussed in Statement-I, hence it's not the correct explanation for Statement-I.