(Solution Download) If we examine Table 21 1 we see that phenols having

If we examine Table 21.1, we see that phenols having electron-withdrawing groups (Cl - or O2N-) attached to the benzene ring are more acidic than phenol itself. Account for this trend on the basis of resonance and inductive effects. Your answer should also explain the large acid-strengthening effect of nitro groups, an effect that makes 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol (also called picric acid) so exceptionally acidic (pKa = 0.38) that it is more acidic than acetic acid (pKa = 4.76).