Phenol is more acidic than :

Options

A. `C_(2)H_(5)OH`
B. `CH_(3)COOH`
C.
D.

Answer

To determine which compound phenol is more acidic than, we need to analyze the acidic strength of phenol in comparison to the given options. The acidic strength of a compound is related to the stability of its conjugate base. The more stable the conjugate base, the stronger the acid.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Acidic Strength**:
- Acidic strength can be assessed by looking at the stability of the conjugate base formed after the acid donates a proton (H⁺).
- For phenol (C₆H₅OH), when it donates a proton, it forms the phenoxide ion (C₆H₅O⁻).

2. **Analyzing the Conjugate Base of Phenol**:
- The conjugate base of phenol, the phenoxide ion, can stabilize the negative charge through resonance. This resonance involves the delocalization of the negative charge over the aromatic ring, increasing its stability.

3. **Comparing with Ethanol (C₂H₅OH)**:
- The conjugate base of ethanol (C₂H₅O⁻) does not have resonance stabilization. The ethyl group (C₂H₅) is an electron-donating group, which increases electron density on the oxygen, making it less stable.
- Therefore, phenol is more acidic than ethanol.

4. **Comparing with Acetic Acid (CH₃COOH)**:
- The conjugate base of acetic acid (CH₃COO⁻) can also stabilize the negative charge through resonance. However, the resonance in acetic acid is not as effective as in phenol due to the presence of the electron-donating methyl group.
- Thus, phenol is still more acidic than acetic acid.

5. **Comparing with p-Nitrophenol**:
- The conjugate base of p-nitrophenol (C₆H₄(NO₂)O⁻) is highly stabilized by the electron-withdrawing nitro group (NO₂), which enhances the stability of the conjugate base through resonance.
- Therefore, p-nitrophenol is more acidic than phenol.

### Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, phenol is more acidic than ethanol (C₂H₅OH) and acetic acid (CH₃COOH), but less acidic than p-nitrophenol.

**Final Answer**: Phenol is more acidic than ethanol (C₂H₅OH).