Explain why is ortho-nitrophenol more acidic than ortho-methoxyphenol?

Explanation

Due to strong -Rand - I-effect of the `-NO_2` group, electron density in the O–H bond decreases and hence, the loss of a proton becomes easy.

Now, after the loss of a proton, the o-nitrophenoxide ion left behind is stabilised by resonance and thus, making 0-nitrophenol a stronger acid.

In contrast, due to + R-effect, `-OCH_3` group increases the electron density in the O–H bond. Thereby, making the loss of proton difficult.

Now, the o-methoxyphenoxide ion left after the loss of a proton is destabilised by resonance. The two negative charges repel each other, thereby destabilising the 0-methoxyphenoxide ion. Therefore, o-nitrophenol is more acidic than o-methoxyphenol.