KCET2016ChemistryAlcohols Phenols and Ethers
Which of the following compound is most acidic?
Options
- A( C l-C H₂-C H₂-O H )
Correct answer
2
Step-by-step solution
The compound is the most acidic, because of presence of ( e⁻ )withdrawing group that is, ( - NO ₂ ) at o- position to phenol, which makes the release of ( H⁺ )ions easily. After the removal of ( H⁺ ), the conjugate base thus formed is stabilized by resonance as given below: Whereas, ( e⁻ )releasing groups decreases the acidity of the substituted phenols and hence, make them less acidic than phenols but more acidic than alcohols.