p-Nitrobenzoic acid is a stronger acid than benzoic acid. This is due to

Options

A. direct resonance interaction between`-NO_(2) and-COOH` groups.
B. `-NO_(2)` group generates a strong-electron withdrawing inductive effect due to positive charge on carbon bearing -COOH group.
C. `-NO_(2)` group generates a strong-electron withdrawing inductive effect due to positive charge on meta position to -COOH group.
D. strong inductive effect of `-NO_(2)` group.

Answer

B

Explanation

The nitro group interacts with the phenyl ring and thereby induces some positive charge on the ring bearing the `COO^(-)` causing a strong electron-withdrawing inductive effect on `COO^(-)` group. This effect is base-stabilizing and thus acid strengthening.