Arrange the following compounds in increasing order of their acidic strength:
(i) m-nitrophenol (ii) m-cresol
(iii) phenol (iv) m-chlorophenol

Options

A. `ii lt iv lt iii lt` `i`
B. iiltiiilt``iltiv`
C. `iii lt ii lt ``iltiv`
D. `iiltiiiltivlti`

Answer

D

Explanation

Stronger the electron withdrawing group, stornger the phenol, i.e., m-nitrophenol (i) is a stronger acid than m-chlorophenol (iv). Electron donating groups decrease the acidity of phenols. i.e., m-cresol (ii) is a weaker acid than phenol (iii). Thus, the overall acid strength increses in the order: `iltiii lt iv lt i` i.e., option (d) is correct.