Which of the following fact(s) explain as to why p-nitrophenol is more...
In case of nitrophenol due -I effect stability of oxy group increases but in case of phenol no such group is present .so no extra stability of such oxy group.
Which of the following fact(s) explain as to why p-nitrophenol is more...
Explanation:
To understand why p-nitrophenol is more acidic than phenol, we need to consider the factors that contribute to acidity in a molecule.
Effect of nitro group:
The presence of a nitro group (-NO2) in p-nitrophenol increases the acidity of the compound. This is due to the electron-withdrawing nature of the nitro group, which pulls electron density away from the phenolic hydroxyl group. As a result, the oxygen atom in the hydroxyl group becomes more electron-deficient, making it easier for it to donate a proton (H+). This electron-withdrawing effect of the nitro group stabilizes the conjugate base, making the compound more acidic.
Greater resonance effect of p-nitrophenoxy group:
In p-nitrophenol, the deprotonation of the phenolic hydroxyl group leads to the formation of the p-nitrophenoxy ion. This ion exhibits resonance stabilization, as the negative charge can be delocalized over the entire phenyl ring through the nitro group. This resonance effect stabilizes the conjugate base, making it more acidic compared to phenol.
Steric effect of bulky nitro group:
The steric effect of a bulky group can affect the acidity of a compound. However, in the case of p-nitrophenol, the nitro group is not bulky enough to significantly hinder the deprotonation process. Therefore, the steric effect of the nitro group is not the primary factor contributing to the increased acidity of p-nitrophenol.
Conclusion:
Based on the above explanations, both the -I effect of the nitro group and the greater resonance effect of the p-nitrophenoxy group contribute to the increased acidity of p-nitrophenol compared to phenol. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' (i and ii).
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