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NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3g2005

Which of the following phenols is the most acidic?

  1. A4-methylphenol
  2. B4-nitrophenol
  3. Cphenol
  4. D4-methoxyphenol

Answer: B

The nitro group at the para position withdraws electrons by -M and -I effects and delocalises the negative charge of the phenoxide ion onto its oxygen atoms. Methyl and methoxy groups donate electrons and destabilise the phenoxide. 4-Nitrophenol (pKa 7.15) is therefore the strongest acid.
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