Question

Arrange the products I, II, III from the following reactions in decreasing order of their acid strength.

• A. I>II>III
• B. II>I>III
• C. III>II>I
• D. II>III>I

Hint:

Acidity trend: Carboxylic acid>Phenol>Alcohol>Alkyne>Ammonium>Alkane

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Identify acid strength factors
Acid strength depends on: \begin{itemize} \item Electron withdrawing groups (+I effect increases acidity) \item Resonance stabilization of conjugate base \item Hybridization of acidic atom (sp>sp$^2$>sp$^3$) \end{itemize} Step 2: Compare given structures
Product II (carboxylic acid)>I (phenol)>III (alcohol) due to: \begin{itemize} \item COOH has most stable conjugate base (resonance) \item Phenol more acidic than alcohol (aromatic stabilization) \end{itemize}