Among the following,which is least acidic?

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(B) The acidity of phenols depends on the stability of the phenoxide ion formed after the loss of a proton. Electron-withdrawing groups $(EWG)$ like $

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$o-$cresol

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(B) The acidity of phenols depends on the stability of the phenoxide ion formed after the loss of a proton. Electron-withdrawing groups $(EWG)$ like $-NO_{2}$ and $-Cl$ stabilize the phenoxide ion through the inductive effect and resonance,thereby increasing acidity. Electron-donating groups $(EDG)$ like $-CH_{3}$ (as in $o-$cresol) destabilize the phenoxide ion by increasing the electron density on the oxygen atom,thereby decreasing acidity. Comparing the given compounds: $1$. $o-$nitrophenol: Contains $-NO_{2}$ (strong $EWG$),most acidic. $2$. $o-$chlorophenol: Contains $-Cl$ $(EWG)$,acidic. $3$. Phenol: Standard reference. $4$. $o-$cresol: Contains $-CH_{3}$ $(EDG)$,least acidic. Therefore,the correct order of acidic strength is $o-$nitrophenol > $o-$chlorophenol > phenol > $o-$cresol.

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