Q. Which one of the following compounds is most acidic ?
A) Cl–CH₂–CH₂–OH
B) o-Nitrophenol (2-nitrophenol)
C) Phenol
D) o-Cresol (2-methylphenol)
Explanation
[Solution from source] Phenols are more acidic than alcohols because the phenoxide ion is resonance-stabilised. The –NO₂ group withdraws electrons and further stabilises the phenoxide, so o-nitrophenol is most acidic; the –CH₃ of o-cresol lowers acidity. Answer (2).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.