Arrange the following in the increasing order of acidic strength : phenol, ethanol, o-nitrophenol

Explanation

To determine the increasing order of acidic strength among phenol, ethanol, and o-nitrophenol, we need to analyze the stability of their conjugate bases after they lose a proton (H⁺). The more stable the conjugate base, the stronger the acid.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Compounds**:
- **Phenol**: C₆H₅OH
- **Ethanol**: C₂H₅OH
- **o-Nitrophenol**: C₆H₄(OH)(NO₂) (where the nitro group is at the ortho position relative to the hydroxyl group)
...