Arrange the following alcohols in the decreasing order of their basic strength: (I) (II) (III) (IV)

Step-by-step solution

The basic strength of an alcohol depends on the availability of the lone pair of electrons on the oxygen atom. Higher electron density on the oxygen atom increases its basic strength. Electron-donating groups (EDG) increase the electron density on the oxygen atom, thereby increasing the basic strength. Conversely, electron-withdrawing groups (EWG) decrease the electron density, thereby decreasing the basic strength. Let us analyze the effects of the substituents present at the para position of the given benzyl alco