Q.15 Explain why is ortho nitrophenol more acidic than ortho methoxyphenol ?
Ortho-nitrophenol is more acidic than ortho-methoxyphenol. The presence of the nitro group, which is an electron withdrawing group, at the ortho position decreases the electron density in the O-H bond. Also, the o-nitrophenoxide ion formed after the loss of protons is stabile due to resonance. Hence, ortho nitrophenol is a stronger acid. Whereas the methoxy group is an electron-releasing group. Thus, it increases the electron density in the O-H bond.