Sequence of resonating structures will be:
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → (D), (C),(A), (B), (E)
In phenol and its ethers (Ar–OR) a lone pair of the oxygen is in conjugation with the ring. Pushing that pair into the ring places a positive charge on oxygen and a negative charge in turn on the two ortho carbons and the para carbon. This is why the –OR group activates the ring and directs substitution to the ortho and para positions.
Following the curved arrows from one structure to the next:
(D) — the neutral structure; the arrows move the oxygen lone pair towards the ring and a ring π-bond towards the ortho carbon.
(C) — result of the arrows in D: \( \ce{C=O^{+}R} \) with the negative charge on an ortho carbon; its arrows carry the charge round the ring.
(A) — result of the arrows in C: the negative charge is now on the para carbon.
(B) — result of the arrows in A: the negative charge is on the other ortho carbon; its arrow returns the electron pair towards the oxygen.
(E) — the neutral structure with the lone pair back on oxygen, reached from B.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Acidity of Phenols
