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KCET · Chemistry · Alcohols Phenols and Ethers

What is the increasing order of acidic strength among the following?
(i) p-methoxy phenol
(ii) p-methyl phenol
(iii) p-nitro phenol

  1. A \( \mathrm{ii} < \mathrm{iii} < \mathrm{i} \)
  2. B \( \mathrm{iii} < \mathrm{ii} < \mathrm{i} \)
  3. C \( \mathrm{i} < \mathrm{ii} < \mathrm{iii} \)
  4. D \( \mathrm{i} < \mathrm{iii} < \mathrm{i} \)
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(C) \( \mathrm{i} < \mathrm{ii} < \mathrm{iii} \)

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

Presence of \( -\mathrm{NO}_{2} \) group increases the acidic character of phenol, because it is an electron withdrawing group, it
withdraws the electron towards itself thereby decreasing the \( e^{-} \)density on the conjugate base so formed and stabilizes
by resonance, whereas the electron releasing groups increases the \( e^{-} \)density on conjugate base and destabilizes it.
Therefore, the increasing order of acidic strength is : \( | < \| < ||| \).