Arrange (i) 3-nitrophenol, (ii) 3-chlorophenol, (iii) 4-nitrophenol and (iv) phenol in decreasing or

Question

Arrange (i) 3-nitrophenol, (ii) 3-chlorophenol, (iii) 4-nitrophenol and (iv) phenol in decreasing order of acidity

Professor PC Thomas Classes · Answer

Electron-withdrawing $-\mathrm{NO}_2$ groups increase acidity. $p$-nitrophenol > $m$-nitrophenol > $m$-chlorophenol > phenol.