Question

The correct order for acidity of the following hydroxyl compound is:

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. C > E > D > B > A
• B. D > E > C > A > B
• C. E > D > C > B > A
• D. E > C > D > A > B

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Acidity of a compound is related to the stability of its conjugate base. The more stabilized the conjugate base, the stronger the acid.
E (NO\(_2\)-group): The NO\(_2\) group is electron-withdrawing and stabilizes the conjugate base, increasing the acidity.
C (Phenol): This has no electron-donating or electron-withdrawing group, so it has moderate acidity.
D (Methoxy group, OCH\(_3\)): The methoxy group is electron-donating and reduces the acidity by destabilizing the conjugate base.
A (Methanol): Alcohols generally have low acidity compared to phenols due to the absence of a conjugate base that can be stabilized by resonance.
B (Tertiary alcohol): The tertiary alcohol, due to steric hindrance and electron-donating alkyl groups, is the least acidic.
Thus, the correct order of acidity is: \[ \text{E} > \text{C} > \text{D} > \text{A} > \text{B} \]