Which of the following is most acidic?

Question

Which of the following is most acidic? (A) Benzyl alcohol (B) Cyclohexanol (C) Phenol (D) m-Chlorophenol

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

Halogens have both +R and -I effect, but the -I effect predominates over the +R-effect. Therefore, m-Chlorophenol is most acidic due to electron withdrawing - Cl group. Alcohols are less acidic than phenol.

Q. Which of the following is most acidic?

Benzyl alcohol

Cyclohexanol

Phenol

$m$ -Chlorophenol

Halogens have both $+ R$ and $- I$ effect, but the $- I$ effect predominates over the $+ R$ -effect. Therefore, $m$ -Chlorophenol is most acidic due to electron withdrawing $- Cl$ group. Alcohols are less acidic than phenol.