Question
Chemistry Question on Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
In the following compounds The order of acidity is
A
III > IV > I > II
B
I > IV > III > II
C
II > I > III > IV
D
IV > III > I > II
Answer
IV > III > I > II
Explanation
Solution
Nitro group from para position exert electron withdrawing resonance effect, increases acidity of phenol the most. This is followed by meta nitrophenol in which nitro group exert electron withdrawing effect on acidity. CH3− is an electron donating group, decreases acid strength. Hence, the overall order is \hspace5mm IV > III > I > II