Arrange the given compounds in decreasing order of acidity and give a suitable explanation, Phenol, o-nitrophenol, o-cresol

Explanation

To arrange the compounds phenol, o-nitrophenol, and o-cresol in decreasing order of acidity, we need to analyze the effects of the substituents on the phenolic compound's ability to donate a proton (H⁺).

### Step 1: Draw the Structures
- **Phenol**: C₆H₅OH
- **o-Nitrophenol**: C₆H₄(NO₂)OH (with a nitro group at the ortho position)
- **o-Cresol**: C₆H₄(CH₃)OH (with a methyl group at the ortho position)

### Step 2: Understand Acidity in Phenolic Compounds
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