Rank the following deactivating groups in order of increasing deactivating strength, listing the least deactivating first.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The question is asking for increasing strength of deactivating groups, so we want the group with the least deactivating effect to be listed first. The least deactivating group is I, which is a halogen. II is a nitro group, which is a stronger deactivator than halogens, so it should be listed second. III is a carbonyl group, which is even more deactivating than nitro groups, so it should be listed third. Finally, IV is a cyano group, which is the strongest deactivator listed, so it should be listed last. Therefore, the correct order is II < I < III < IV, which is choice C.

Rank the Following Deactivating Groups in Order of Increasing