JEE Main Chemistry question

Arrange phenol (I), cyclohexanol (II), 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (III) and acetic acid (IV) in order of acidity.

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

Answer: (A)

Solution

2,4,6-Trinitrophenol (picric acid, III), with three strongly electron-withdrawing nitro groups massively stabilizing its conjugate base, is comparable to or stronger than a simple carboxylic acid and is the strongest acid here; acetic acid (IV, pKₐ ≈ 4.76) is next; phenol (I, pKₐ ≈ 10) is

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Question ID VK-149511