Arrange the following compounds in increasing order of their acidity:
(A) Phenol
(B) 4-methylphenol
(C) 3-nitrophenol
(D) 4-nitrophenol
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → (B), (A), (C), (D)
To arrange them in increasing acidity, consider the effects:
- NO₂ (nitro group) = strong electron-withdrawing → increases acidity
Para-nitro > meta-nitro - CH₃ (methyl group) = electron-donating → decreases acidity
- Phenol is in between.
Order of acidity (least → most):
4-methylphenol (B) < Phenol (A) < 3-nitrophenol (C) < 4-nitrophenol (D)