Question

The correct order of acidity of the following is:

• A. III \textgreater{} II \textgreater{} I
• B. II \textgreater{} III \textgreater{} I
• C. I \textgreater{} II \textgreater{} III
• D. III \textgreater{} I \textgreater{} II

Hint:

Electron-withdrawing groups increase acidity; electron-donating groups decrease acidity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Acidity of phenol derivatives is affected by the electron-donating or withdrawing nature of substituents.
- In compound III, the \(-OCH_3\) group is an electron-donating group via resonance, slightly increasing acidity compared to methyl.
- In compound II, the \(-CH_3\) group is electron-donating by hyperconjugation and inductive effect.
- Compound I is unsubstituted phenol.
However, due to resonance and inductive stabilization, the order becomes: III \textgreater{} II \textgreater{} I.