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Multiple Choice
Rank the following molecules in increasing order of acidity (least acidic to most acidic).
A
I < IV < II < III
B
I < III < IV < II
C
V < II < III < I
D
III < II < IV < I
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the functional groups attached to the benzene ring in each molecule. Molecule I has a nitro group (NO2) at the para position, Molecule II has a hydroxyl group (OH), Molecule III has both a nitro group (NO2) at the ortho position and a hydroxyl group (OH), and Molecule IV has a tert-butyl group and a hydroxyl group (OH).
Understand the effect of substituents on acidity. The nitro group is an electron-withdrawing group, which increases acidity by stabilizing the negative charge on the conjugate base. The tert-butyl group is an electron-donating group, which decreases acidity.
Consider the position of the nitro group in Molecule III. The ortho position allows for stronger electron-withdrawing effects due to proximity, enhancing the acidity compared to the para position in Molecule I.
Compare the acidity of Molecule II and Molecule IV. Molecule II has only a hydroxyl group, while Molecule IV has a tert-butyl group that decreases acidity. Therefore, Molecule II is more acidic than Molecule IV.
Rank the molecules based on the analysis: Molecule IV is the least acidic due to the electron-donating tert-butyl group, followed by Molecule II with only a hydroxyl group, then Molecule I with a para nitro group, and Molecule III is the most acidic due to the ortho nitro group.