NEETChemistryAlcohols Phenols and Ethers
Out of o-nitrophenol and o-cresol which is more acidic?
Options
- Ao-Cresol is more acidic because it has a lower molecular weight than o-nitrophenol.
- Bo-nitrophenol is more acidic as the NO 2 group has an electron-withdrawing effect on phenol through resonance.
- Co-Nitrophenol is more acidic because it has a lower molecular weight than o-cresol.
- Do-Cresol is more acidic because it has a stronger electron-donating effect on the phenolic OH group compared t
Correct answer
B. o-nitrophenol is more acidic as the NO 2 group has an electron-withdrawing effect on phenol through resonance.
Step-by-step solution
Correct Option is : (B) o-nitrophenol is more acidic as the NO 2 group has an electron-withdrawing effect on phenol through resonance. So, it will stabilize the phenoxide ion formed on losing a proton whereas alkyl group (i.e. CH 3 ) has an electron-donating effect, which destabilizes the phenoxide ion.