From the following compounds, identify the one which is most acidic.

Step-by-step solution

The acidity of a compound is determined by the stability of its conjugate base. The more stable the conjugate base, the more acidic the compound. Compound [A] is phenol, which forms a phenoxide ion. The negative charge on the oxygen is delocalized into the benzene ring. Compound [B] is dicyclohexylmethanol, an aliphatic alcohol. It lacks resonance stabilization for its conjugate base and is the least acidic. Compound [C] is p-nitrophenol. The nitro group ( -NO₂ ) is a strong electron-withdrawing group (EWG) due to