Question:

Statement I: The acidic strength of monosubstituted nitrophenol is higher than phenol because of electron withdrawing nitro group.
Statement II: o-nitrophenol, m-nitrophenol and p-nitrophenol will have same acidic strength as they have one nitro group attached to the phenolic ring.
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Updated On: May 2, 2025
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
  • Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
  • Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

To evaluate the given statements, let's analyze each separately:

Statement I: "The acidic strength of monosubstituted nitrophenol is higher than phenol because of electron withdrawing nitro group."

The nitro group (NO2) is a strong electron-withdrawing group due to its electronegative nature and its resonance effect. When substituted on the phenolic ring, it increases the acidity of phenol by stabilizing the phenoxide ion formed after deprotonation. This makes the nitrophenols more acidic than phenol itself. Therefore, Statement I is correct.

Statement II: "o-nitrophenol, m-nitrophenol and p-nitrophenol will have same acidic strength as they have one nitro group attached to the phenolic ring."

The position of the nitro group on the phenolic ring significantly impacts the acidity due to the variations in resonance and inductive effects. In general, the electron-withdrawing power varies with position:

  • Ortho- (o-): Strong resonance effect due to close proximity increases acidity, but is partially offset by steric hindrance.
  • Meta- (m-): Lacks resonance effect, mainly has the inductive effect, resulting in moderate acidic strength.
  • Para- (p-): Displays significant resonance stabilization, generally making it more acidic than ortho-.

Hence, o-nitrophenol, m-nitrophenol, and p-nitrophenol do not have the same acidic strength. Statement II is incorrect.

Based on the analysis, the most appropriate answer is:

Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.

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Concepts Used:

Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers

Alcohol is formed when a saturated carbon atom bonds to a hydroxyl (-OH) group. It is an organic compound that contains a hydroxyl functional group attached to a carbon atom.

Phenol is formed when the -OH group replaces the hydrogen atom in benzene. It is an organic compound in which a hydroxyl group directly attaches to an aromatic hydrocarbon.

Ether is formed when oxygen atom bonds to two alkyl or aryl groups. It is an organic compound that has an oxygen atom that is connected to two aryl and alkyl groups.

Read More: Alcohol, Phenol, and Ethers