NEET
- Exam
- NEET
- Subject
- Chemistry
- Chapter
- Alcohols Phenols and Ethers
NEET · Chemistry · Alcohols Phenols and Ethers
Why does the presence of electron-withdrawing groups in substituted...
Why does the presence of electron-withdrawing groups in substituted phenols enhance their acidic strength?
Options
- AThey increase electron density in the phenoxide ion.
- BThey stabilise the phenoxide ion through resonance.
- CThey decrease the electron density in the phenoxide ion.
- DThey promote the formation of alkyl groups.
Correct answer
B. They stabilise the phenoxide ion through resonance.
Step-by-step solution
Electron-withdrawing groups, such as nitro groups, enhance the acidic strength of phenols by stabilising the resulting phenoxide ion through resonance, making it more likely to donate a proton.