Question

Which among the following phenolic compound is most acidic in nature?

Options

• p-aminophenol

• Phenol

• m-nitrophenol 

• p-nitrophenol

Answer 1

p-nitrophenol

Explanation:

The order for acidity in phenols depends upon the position of electron withdrawing groups. \[\ce{- NH2}\] is an electron releasing group. Hence, it decreases the acidity of phenol.

p-nitrophenol > m-nitrophenol > phenol > p-aminophenol.

(-I-effect) (-R-effect) para nitro phenol	(Only -I-effect) meta nitro phenol		(+I-effect) (+R-effect) p-amino phenol