In the following compounds,

the order of acidity is:

Options

A. III > IV > I > II
B. I > IV > III > II
C. II > I > III > IV
D. IV > III > I > II

Answer

D

Explanation

IVgtIIIgtIgtII
In (IV), `(-NO_(2))` at para exerts more `bar e`-withdrawing effect due to -R and -I effect, but in (III), `(-NO_(2))` at m-position exert only -I effect. So, (IV) is strong er than (III). Phenol (I) is stronger than (II) in which (Me) group exerts `bar e`-donating effect due to (+I and H.C.). Hene, the order of acidic character is as given above.