Question

Arrange the following compounds in the increasing order of their acidic strength:

i. M – nitrophenol

ii. M – cresol

iii. Phenol

iv. M – cholorophenol

• A. iii < ii < i < iv
• B. ii < iv < iii <i
• C. ii < iii < iv <i
• D. ii < iii <i< iv

Answer 1

The correct option is C

ii < iii < iv <i

m-cresol has electron releasing group $\left(C{H}_3\right)$. Hence it decreases the acidic strength. Both nitro and chloro are having – I effect. Hence, they show higher acidic strength. But nitro is a stronger – I group than chloro group. Hence m-Nitro phenol is more acidic than m-chlorophenol