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

1. (V)>(IV)>(II)>(I)>(III)

2. (II)>(IV)>(III)>(I)>(V)

3. (IV)>(V)>(III)>(II)>(I)

4. (V)>(IV)>(III)>(II)>(I)

Hint: Electron donating group at ortho and para position decreases the acidity of the compound

Explanation (2) Presence of electron-withdrawing group of phenols, increases its acid strength. So both compounds, i.e., p-nitrophenol (II) and m-nitrophenol (IV) are stronger acids than (I) . If this NO2 group is present at p-position then it exerts both –I and –R effect but if it is present at meta position, then it exerts only –I effect. Therefore, p-nitrophenol is a much stronger acid than m – nitrophenol.

On the other hand, the presence of electron releasing group on phenol decreases its acidic strength. If -OCH3 group is present   at meta position, it will not exert +R effect , but exert –I effect

But if it is present at para position, then it will exert +R effect . Therefore , m-methoxy phenol is more acidic than p-methoxy phenol.

Hence, the correct option is (2)