Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter Alcohols Phenols and Ethers NCERT Solutions | Explain why is ortho nitrophenol more ac

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12th Chemistry - Chapter Alcohols Phenols and Ethers. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 2, Question 15: explain why is ortho nitrophenol more acidic than....
Question 15

Explain why is ortho nitrophenol more acidic than ortho methoxyphenol?

Answer

The nitro-group is an electron-withdrawing group. The presence of this group in the ortho position decreases the electron density in the O-H bond. As a result, it is easier to lose a proton. Also, the o-nitrophenoxide ion formed after the loss of protons is stabilized by resonance. Hence, ortho nitrophenol is a stronger acid.

On the other hand, methoxy group is an electron-releasing group. Thus, it increases the electron density in the O-H bond and hence, the proton cannot be given out easily.

For this reason, ortho-nitrophenol is more acidic than ortho-methoxyphenol.

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