Chapter 21, Problem 21.36P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The trends in the increasing acidity of phenol and monofluoro derivatives of phenol have to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Acidity of phenol with fluoro substitution:

Halogens show inductive effect. Among the halogens, the most electronegative fluorine atom show effective inductive effect on its attachment with phenol due to which the acidity of phenol increases. If the fluorine atom is at closer position to the hydroxide group of phenol, then the inductive will be stronger due to the smaller distance which ultimately increases the acidity.