Question:medium

Given are cyclohexanol (I), acetic acid (II), 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol (III) and phenol (IV). In these, the order of decreasing acidic character will be

Updated On: May 8, 2026
  • lll > ll > IV > l
  • ll > lll> l > IV
  • ll > lll > IV > l
  • lll> IV > ll > l
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

To determine the order of decreasing acidic character among the given compounds, we need to evaluate the extent of stabilization of the anion formed after deprotonation. The acidic character is directly related to the stability of this anion.

  1. Cyclohexanol (I): Cyclohexanol has the formula C_6H_{11}OH. The conjugate base is alkoxide ion, which is not stabilized effectively because of a lack of any electron-withdrawing effects.
  2. Acetic Acid (II): Acetic acid has the formula CH_3COOH. The conjugate base (acetate ion) is stabilized by resonance, making acetic acid more acidic than cyclohexanol.
  3. 2, 4, 6-Trinitrophenol (III): Also known as picric acid, it has three nitro groups attached to the phenol ring. Nitro groups are strong electron-withdrawing groups, and they stabilize the conjugate base by resonance and inductive effects, making 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol a very strong acid.
  4. Phenol (IV): Phenol has the formula C_6H_5OH. The phenoxide ion is stabilized by resonance but not as effectively as in the case of acetic acid or 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol, due to fewer electron-withdrawing groups.

Now, let's consider the acidic strengths:

  • 2, 4, 6-Trinitrophenol (III) is the most acidic because of the strong electron-withdrawing effects and resonance stabilization of its conjugate base.
  • Acetic Acid (II) is next due to the resonance stabilization of the acetate ion, although it is less acidic compared to 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol.
  • Phenol (IV) has moderate acidity due to some resonance stabilization of the phenoxide ion, but it is less than acetic acid.
  • Cyclohexanol (I) is the least acidic as its conjugate base is the least stabilized.

Hence, the correct order of decreasing acidic character is: III > II > IV > I.

The correct answer is: III > II > IV > I

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