Among the following,which is least acidic?

Name: Exam Paper Generator | JEE NEET Paper Generator | Vedclass
Brand: Vedclass
Rating: 5 (35 reviews)

Question

(B) The acidity of phenols depends on the stability of the phenoxide ion formed after the loss of a proton. Electron-withdrawing groups $(EWG)$ like $

Vedclass · Accepted Answer

$o-$cresol

Vedclass · Answer

(B) The acidity of phenols depends on the stability of the phenoxide ion formed after the loss of a proton. Electron-withdrawing groups $(EWG)$ like $-NO_{2}$ and $-Cl$ stabilize the phenoxide ion through the inductive effect and resonance,thereby increasing acidity. Electron-donating groups $(EDG)$ like $-CH_{3}$ (as in $o-$cresol) destabilize the phenoxide ion by increasing the electron density on the oxygen atom,thereby decreasing acidity. Comparing the given compounds: $1$. $o-$nitrophenol: Contains $-NO_{2}$ (strong $EWG$),most acidic. $2$. $o-$chlorophenol: Contains $-Cl$ $(EWG)$,acidic. $3$. Phenol: Standard reference. $4$. $o-$cresol: Contains $-CH_{3}$ $(EDG)$,least acidic. Therefore,the correct order of acidic strength is $o-$nitrophenol > $o-$chlorophenol > phenol > $o-$cresol.

Similar Questions

The major product of the following reaction is:

Benzoylation of phenol with benzoyl chloride in the presence of dilute $NaOH$ gives phenyl benzoate. This reaction is an example of

What does phenol give with $NaOH$ and $CHCl_3$ at $340 \ K$?

What is the product formed when phenol reacts with concentrated $HNO_3$?

What is $X$ in the given reaction?

Vedclass Test Series

Exam Paper Generator

Online Exam Module