Question
Chemistry Question on Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
Increasing order of acidic strength among phenol, cresol and p-nitrophenol is
A
cresol < phenol < p-nitrophenol
B
p-nitrophenol < cresol < phenol
C
phenol < p-nitrophenol < cresol
D
phenol < cresol < p-nitrophenol.
Answer
cresol < phenol < p-nitrophenol
Explanation
Solution
In substituted phenols, the presence of electron withdrawing groups enhances the acidic strength while the presence of electron donating groups decreases the acidic strength of phenol.