Question

The correct order for acidity of the following hydroxyl compound is:

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. C > E > D > B > A
• B. D > E > C > A > B
• C. E > D > C > B > A
• D. E > C > D > A > B

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine the acidity of the given hydroxyl compounds, we need to consider the ability of the compound to donate a proton (H⁺). The acidity is affected by the substituents present on the aromatic ring, which can either stabilize or destabilize the resultant anion after deprotonation. 

1. Compound E (Nitrophenol): It has a nitro group (-NO₂) which is a strong electron-withdrawing group. This group stabilizes the negative charge on the oxygen after deprotonation, making it the most acidic among the given compounds.
2. Compound C (Phenol): It has no additional substituents. The phenolic group itself can stabilize the negative charge through resonance. However, it is less acidic compared to nitrophenol.
3. Compound D (Methoxyphenol): It contains a methoxy group (-OCH₃) which is an electron-donating group. This group decreases the stability of the phenoxide ion, making it less acidic than phenol.
4. Compound A (Methanol): This is a simple alcohol without any resonance stabilization. It is less acidic than aromatic alcohols (phenols).
5. Compound B (Tertiary Butanol): The tertiary butyl group is a bulky electron-donating group. This makes the compound the least acidic among the given options.

Based on the above analysis, the correct order for the acidity of the hydroxyl compounds is:

E > C > D > A > B

Thus, the correct answer is the option E > C > D > A > B.