Increasing order of acidic strength among `p-`methoxyphenol `(i)p-`methylphenol `(II)` and `p-`nitrophenol `(III)` is

Options

A. `III, I, II`
B. `II, I, III`
C. `III, II, I`
D. `I, II, III`

Answer

D

Explanation

Electron withdrawing groups such as `NO_(2)` increases the acidic strength of phenol by increasing the stability of phenoxide ion while an electron releasing group such as `-CH_(3)` or `-OCH_(3)` decreases the acidic strength of phenol by decreasing the stability of phenoxide ion. since `-OCH_(3)` is more electron releasing in nature, the correct order of acidic strength is