Phenol is less acidic than

Options

A. Ethanol
B. o-nitrophenol
C. o-methylphenol
D. o-methoxyphenol

Answer

B

Explanation

In o-nitrophenol, nitro group is present at ortho position. Presence of electron withdrawing group at ortho position increases the acidic strength. On the other hand, in o-methylphenol and in omethoxypehnol, electron releasing group `(- CH_3,- OCH_3 )` are present.
Presence of these groups at ortho or para positions of phenol decreases the acidic strength of phenols. So, phenol is less acidic than o-nitrophenol.