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JEE MAIN Chemistry QUESTION #5567
Question 1
Arrange the following substituted phenols in decreasing order of acidity: (I) 4-chlorophenol, (II) 4-methylphenol, (III) 4-nitrophenol, (IV) 4-methoxyphenol
  • II > IV > I > III
  • I > II > III > IV
  • III > I > IV > II✔️
  • IV > III > I > II
Correct Answer Explanation
Acidity of phenols increases with electron-withdrawing groups (EWG) and decreases with electron-donating groups (EDG). $NO_2$ (strong EWG) makes phenol most acidic; $Cl$ (weak EWG); $CH_3$ and $OCH_3$ are EDGs (reduce acidity). Order of decreasing acidity: III ($NO_2$) > I ($Cl$) > II ($CH_3$) > IV ($OCH_3$), i.e., C is correct.