From the following figure, the correct observation is :-

Options

A. (V) gt (IV) gt (II) gt (I) gt (III)
B. (II) gt (IV) gt (I) gt (III) gt (V)
C. (IV) gt (V) gt (III) gt (II) gt (I)
D. (V) gt (IV) gt (III) gt (II) gt (I)

Answer

B

Explanation

Presence of electron withdrawing group on phenols, increases its acidic strength. So, both compounds i.e., pnitrophenol (II) and m-nitrophenol (IV) are stronger acid than (I). If this `-NO_2` group is present at p-position, then it exerts both -I and -R effect but if it is present at meta position, then it exerts only -I effect. Therefore pnitrophenol is much stronger acid then m-nitrophenol.
On the other hand, presence of electron releasing group on phenol decreases its acidic strength. If `-OCH_3` group is present at meta position. it will not exert + R effect but exert -I effect
But, if it is present at para position. then it will exert +R effect. Therefore, m-methoxy phenol is more acidic than p-methoxy phenol.