Question

Phenol is less acidic than

• A. p-chlorophenol
• B. p-nitrophenol
• C. p-methoxyphenol
• D. ethanol

Hint:

Electron-withdrawing substituents increase the acidity of phenol, while electron-donating groups decrease its acidity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Effect of substituents on acidity.
Electron-withdrawing groups like \( \text{Cl} \) or \( \text{NO}_2 \) increase the acidity of phenols by stabilizing the negative charge on the oxygen after deprotonation. Conversely, electron-donating groups like \( \text{OCH}_3 \) reduce the acidity of phenol.

Step 2: Conclusion.
Thus, phenol is less acidic than p-methoxyphenol, but more acidic than p-chlorophenol. Therefore, options (A) and (C) are correct.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{(A) p-chlorophenol, (C) p-methoxyphenol}} \]