In electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions the hydroxyl group is an o,p-director because ________.
A) it donates electron density to the ring by induction and destabilizes the meta sigma complex
B) it donates electron density to the ring by resonance and stabilizes the ortho and para sigma complexes
C) it donates electron density to the ring by induction and stabilizes the ortho and para sigma complexes
D) it donates electron density to the ring by resonance and destabilizes the meta sigma complex
E) it withdraws electron density from the ring by induction and destabilizes the meta sigma complex

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hydroxyl group is an o,p-director because it donates electron density to the ring by resonance, which stabilizes the ortho and para sigma complexes. This is due to the fact that the lone pair on the oxygen atom can participate in resonance with the aromatic ring, leading to increased electron density at the ortho and para positions.

In Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution Reactions the Hydroxyl Group Is an O,p-Director