Mark the correct order of decreasing acid strength of the following compounds.
(I) | (II) | ||
(III) | (IV) | ||
(V) |
1. (V) > (IV) > (II) > (I) > (III)
2. (II) > (IV) > (III) > (I) > (V)
3. (IV) > (V) > (III) > (II) > (I)
4. (V) > (IV) > (III) > (II) > (I)
Hint: Electron donating group at ortho and para position decreases the acidity of the compound
Explanation (2) Presence of electron-withdrawing group of phenols, increases its acid strength. So both compounds, i.e., p-nitrophenol (II) and m-nitrophenol (IV) are stronger acids than (I) . If this group is present at p-position then it exerts both –I and –R effect but if it is present at meta position, then it exerts only –I effect. Therefore, p-nitrophenol is a much stronger acid than m – nitrophenol.
On the other hand, the presence of electron releasing group on phenol decreases its acidic strength. If group is present at meta position, it will not exert +R effect , but exert –I effect
But if it is present at para position, then it will exert +R effect . Therefore , m-methoxy phenol is more acidic than p-methoxy phenol.
Hence, the correct option is (2)
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