Arrange the following compounds in increasing order of acidity and give a suitable explanation.
Phenol, o-nitrophenol, o-cresol
Due to this and effect of o-nitrophenol, it is a stronger acid than phenol. On the other hand, — group produces + I effect — I and effect increases the acidic strength by increasing the polarity of — OH bond while + I effect decreases the polarity due to increase in electron density on —OH bond, So, o-cresol is a weaker acid than phenol. Thus, the correct order is o-cresol < phenol < o-nitrophenol.
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