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Which of the following phenols is the most acidic?(a) o-Cresol(b) m-Cresol(c) o-Nitrophenol(d) m-NitrophenolThis question was posed to me in an interview.My enquiry is from Alcohols and Phenols topic in division Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer»

Right choice is (c) o-Nitrophenol

To elaborate: Alkyl GROUPS are electron RELEASING, and contribute towards a reduction in acidic strength of phenols. Electron WITHDRAWING groups like nitro, enhances the acidic strength especially at ortho and para positions, DUE to effective delocalisation of negative charge in the PHENOXIDE ion.



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