The correct order of acid strength of the following compounds is: I. Phenol, II. p-cresol, III. m-nitrophenol, IV. p-nitrophenol **[AIEEE 2011]**

JEE Main Chemistry question

The correct order of acid strength of the following compounds is: I. Phenol, II. -cresol, III. -nitrophenol, IV. -nitrophenol **[AIEEE 2011]**

(A)III > IV > I > II
(B)IV > III > I > IICorrect
(C)II > IV > I > III
(D)I > II > IV > III

Answer: (B)

Solution

Nitro groups increase acidity (electron-withdrawing, resonance stabilisation of phenoxide), with the -nitro isomer stabilising the anion more effectively (through conjugation) than the -nitro

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Question ID VK-148507