Arrange the following compounds in order of decreasing acidity:

Options

A. `IV gt III gt I gt II`
B. `II gt IV gt I gt III`
C. `I gt II gt III gt IV`
D. `III gt I gt II gt IV`

Answer

D

Explanation

It is the correct order. The electron withdrawing groups `(-NO_(2) and -Cl)` increase the acidity of phenols while electron releasing groups `(-CH_(3) and -OCH_(3))` tend to decrease it. All of them are present at the para position. Out of the group `-NO_(2)` group is stronger electron withdrawing group than `-Cl` atom while `-OCH_(3)` group is a stronger electron releasing group as compared to `-CH_(3)` group. Therefore, the correct order is as shown.