Which type of substituent will increase the acidic strength of phenols?
Correct answer: B. Electron withdrawing substituents
- A. Electron donating substituents
- B. Electron withdrawing substituents
- C. Lewis's bases
- D. Nucleophiles
Explanation
Electron-withdrawing substituents on phenols increase their acidic strength by stabilizing the phenoxide ion through resonance and inductive effects, leading to a greater tendency for the phenol to lose a proton. This principle is important in organic chemistry and helps explain the reactivity of substituted phenols.
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About Alcohols and Phenols
Alcohols are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary and studied through their hydrogen bonding, acidity, oxidation and reactions with active metals, acids and halogenating agents. Phenols require separate treatment because the hydroxyl group is attached to an aromatic ring, making their acidity and electrophilic substitution different from ordinary alcohols.
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