Question:

The descending order of acidity among the following compounds is :

Updated On: Apr 10, 2026
  • B > D > E > A > C
  • D > B > E > A > C
  • C > A > B > D > E
  • D > E > B > A > C
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Acidity depends on the stability of the conjugate base formed after losing a proton. Carboxylic acids are generally much stronger acids than phenols because the carboxylate ion is more resonance-stabilized than the phenoxide ion. Electron-withdrawing groups (EWG) increase acidity, while electron-donating groups (EDG) decrease it.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. Carboxylic acids vs Phenols: Benzoic acids (D, E) are more acidic than phenols (A, B, C).
2. Within benzoic acids: p-nitrobenzoic acid (D) has a strong EWG (\(-M\) and \(-I\) effect of \(NO_2\)), making it stronger than benzoic acid (E). So, \(D>E\).
3. Within phenols: p-nitrophenol (B) has a strong EWG (\(NO_2\)), making it stronger than phenol (A). p-methoxyphenol (C) has a strong EDG (\(+M\) effect of \(OCH_3\)), making it the weakest. So, \(B>A>C\).
Combining the sequences: \(D>E>B>A>C\).

Step 4: Final Answer:
The descending order of acidity is D > E > B > A > C.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0