Question:medium

The correct order of their acidic strength for the given compounds is:

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Remember: $NO_2$ is a strong electron-withdrawing group, increasing acidity!
Updated On: Jun 6, 2026
  • IV > I > III > V
  • IV > II > III > V
  • III > II > V > I
  • II > IV > III > V > I
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: What controls acid strength.
An acid is stronger when its anion (the leftover after losing H$^+$) is more stable. Groups that pull electrons away (like -NO$_2$) stabilise the anion and raise acidity. Groups that push electrons in (like -CH$_3$) lower it.

Step 2: Rank the substituent effects.
So the trend in acidity follows: nitro substituted acid is strongest, the plain unsubstituted acid is in the middle, and the methyl substituted acid is weaker. Phenol type compounds with no -COOH come out the weakest of the set.

Step 3: Apply this to the given compounds.
Reading the labelled compounds, IV carries the strongest electron withdrawing group, I is the reference acid, III has a mild electron donating effect, and V is the least acidic.

Step 4: Build the order.
Putting them from strongest to weakest gives IV > I > III > V.

Step 5: Conclusion.
So the answer is IV > I > III > V. \[ \boxed{\text{IV > I > III > V}} \]
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