Out of o-nitrophenol and o-cresol which is more acidic ?

Explanation

To determine which compound is more acidic between o-nitrophenol and o-cresol, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structures
- **o-Nitrophenol** has a nitro group (-NO2) attached to the benzene ring adjacent to the hydroxyl group (-OH).
- **o-Cresol** has a methyl group (-CH3) attached to the benzene ring adjacent to the hydroxyl group.

### Step 2: Analyze the Effects of Substituents
- The nitro group is an electron-withdrawing group due to its strong -I (inductive) and -M (mesomeric) effects. This means it pulls electron density away from the benzene ring and the hydroxyl group, stabilizing the negative charge on the phenoxide ion (the conjugate base formed when o-nitrophenol loses a proton).
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