Mark the correct order of decreasing acid strength of the following compounds. 

I. e > d > b > a > c

 

II. b > d > a > c > e

 

III. d > e > c > b > a

 

IV. e > d > c > b > a 

This is a multiple choice answer as classified in NCERT Exemplar

(II) b > d > a > c > e 

The acidic strength decreases with increasing stability of the conjugate base of the given alcohol. -NO₂ group at the para position in compound (b) is the most acidic due to the -M effect of the -NO₂ group.

Compou