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NEET CHEMISTRYAlcohols, Phenols and EthersMedium

Question

Which one is the most acidic compound?

A

o-Cresol

B

Phenol

C

p-Nitrophenol

D

2,4,6-Trinitrophenol (Picric Acid)

Step-by-Step Solution

The acidity of phenols depends on the stability of the phenoxide ion formed after the loss of a proton.

  1. Electron Withdrawing Groups (EWG): Substituents like the nitro group (NO2-NO_2) are electron-withdrawing due to resonance (R-R) and inductive (I-I) effects . These groups disperse the negative charge on the phenoxide ion, thereby stabilizing it and increasing the acidic strength.
  2. Number and Position: The stabilizing effect is most pronounced when EWGs are at ortho and para positions. Greater the number of EWGs, higher is the acidity.
  3. Picric Acid: 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol contains three nitro groups at ortho and para positions. The combined strong electron-withdrawing influence makes it the most acidic among standard phenolic compounds, even stronger than some carboxylic acids.

Exam Context & Concepts Covered

This question aligns with the NEET CHEMISTRY syllabus, specifically targeting concepts from Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers. Mastering this topic is crucial for scoring well in the upcoming medical entrance examinations. Solving conceptually related problems will help you understand the nuances of these concepts and improve your problem-solving speed.

CHEMISTRYAlcohols, Phenols and Ethersacidiccompound

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