Question:
Arrange the following compounds in increasing order of acidity and give a suitable explanation. Phenol, o-nitrophenol, o-cresol
Solution:
Increasing order of the acidity of the given compounds: o-cresol < Phenol < o-nitrophenol.
Due to the presence of the electron-withdrawing group, NO2 o-nitrophenol becomes more acidic. Remaining has an electron releasing group which decreases the acidic strength.