COMEDK2025ChemistryAlcohols Phenols and EthersActual
Arrange the following compounds in the increasing order of their acidic strength 4-chlorophenol (I), 4-methylphenol(II), 4-nitrophenol(III), 4-methoxyphenol(IV) and phenol(V)
Options
- AIV < V < I < II < III
- BII < IV < V < III < I
- CI < V < III < II < IV
- DIV < II < V < I < III
Correct answer
D. IV < II < V < I < III
Step-by-step solution
The acidic strength of substituted phenols depends on the electronic effects of the substituents attached to the benzene ring. Electron-withdrawing groups (EWG) increase acidity by stabilizing the phenoxide ion through inductive (-I) or resonance (-M) effects, while electron-donating groups (EDG) decrease acidity by destabilizing the phenoxide ion through inductive (+I) or resonance (+M) effects. The substituents in the given compounds are: I: 4-chlorophenol (Cl group, -I effect, +M effect; overall -I effect domina