Mark the correct A. e > d > b > a > c

B. b > d > a > c > e

C. d > e > c > b > a

D. e > d > c > b > a

The presence of electron-withdrawing group(e.g. nitro group), enhances the acidic strength of phenol.It is due to the effective delocalization of negative charge in phenoxide ion.

On the other hand, electron releasing groups (e.g. -OCH₃) in general, do not favour the formation of phenoxide ion resulting in a decrease in the acidic nature.

The effect is more when the substituent group is more at the ortho position or para position in comparison to the meta position.