Chemistry - GOC Question with Solution | TestHub

An electron withdrawing group (-I showing group like $-{\mathrm{NO}}_2,-\mathrm{CN})$ stabilises the phenoxide ion, thus when present, increases the acidity of phenol. On the other hand electron releasing groups ($+I$ showing group like $-{\mathrm{CH}}_3,-{\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5$), when present, decrease the acidity of phenol by destabilising phenoxide ion. Hence, the correct order of acidity of given compounds is $\underset{(D)}{\text{p-nitrophenol}}>\underset{(C)}{\text{m-nitrophenol}}>\underset{(A)}{\mathrm{phenol}}>\underset{(B)}{\text{methyl phenol}}$ (due to intermolecular H -bonding)