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 can analyze the acidity of phenol in comparison to other compounds. Here's a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand the structure of phenol
Phenol (C6H5OH) consists of a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a benzene ring. The presence of the aromatic ring allows for resonance stabilization of the phenoxide ion (C6H5O⁻) formed when phenol donates a proton (H⁺).

**Hint:** Look for the resonance stabilization in the structure of phenol that contributes to its acidity.

### Step 2: Compare phenol with ethanol
Ethanol (C2H5OH) is an alcohol. When comparing the acidity of phenol and ethanol, we find that phenol is more acidic. This is because the phenoxide ion formed from phenol is stabilized by resonance, while the ethoxide ion (C2H5O⁻) does not have such stabilization.

**Hint:** Consider the stability of the conjugate base formed after deprotonation to compare acidity.

### Step 3: Compare phenol with acetic acid
Acetic acid (CH3COOH) is a carboxylic acid. Carboxylic acids are generally more acidic than alcohols and phenols due to the resonance stabilization of their conjugate base (acetate ion, CH3COO⁻). Therefore, phenol is less acidic than acetic acid.

**Hint:** Remember that carboxylic acids typically have higher acidity than phenols due to their ability to stabilize the negative charge on their conjugate base.

### Step 4: Compare phenol with ortho-cresol
Ortho-cresol (2-methylphenol) has a methyl group that exerts a +I (inductive) effect, which destabilizes the phenoxide ion compared to phenol. Thus, phenol is more acidic than ortho-cresol.

**Hint:** Analyze the effects of substituents on the aromatic ring and how they influence acidity.

### Step 5: Compare phenol with nitrophenol
Nitrophenol contains a nitro group (-NO2), which has a strong -I (inductive) effect and can stabilize the negative charge on the phenoxide ion, making nitrophenol more acidic than phenol.

**Hint:** Look for electron-withdrawing groups that can stabilize the conjugate base, increasing acidity.

### Conclusion
From the comparisons made, we conclude that phenol is more acidic than ethanol but less acidic than acetic acid, ortho-cresol, and nitrophenol. Therefore, the correct answer is that phenol is more acidic than ethanol.

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