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ExamsJEE AdvancedChemistry

Which of the following substituents, when attached to phenol, will increase its acidity?

  1. -NO2
  2. -CN
  3. -CHO
  4. -CH3

Correct answer: -NO2

Solution

-NO2, -CN, and -CHO are all electron-withdrawing groups that stabilize the phenoxide anion, thereby increasing acidity of phenol. -CH3 is an electron-donating group that destabilizes the anion and decreases acidity. Among the EWG options, -NO2 is the strongest acid-promoter.

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