BITSAT2014ChemistryAlcohols Phenols and EthersActual
Consider the following phenols: The decreasing order of acidity of the above phenols is
Options
- AIII > IV > II > I
- BII > I > IV > III
- CI > IV > II > III
- DIII > IV > I > II
Correct answer
A. III > IV > II > I
Step-by-step solution
Electron withdrawing group (- NO ₂ ) increases the acidity while electron releasing group (- CH ₃,- H ) decreases acidity. Also effect will be more if functional group is present at para position than ortho and meta position.