Arrange the compounds in order of decreasing reactivity towards the aromatic nitration reaction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the aromatic nitration reaction, the nitro group (-NO2) is added to an aromatic ring. This reaction occurs through an electrophilic substitution mechanism where an electrophile (in this case, the nitronium ion, NO2+) attacks the aromatic ring.

The reactivity of the compounds towards this reaction is dependent on the ability of the ring to donate electron density towards the electrophile. More electron density on the ring results in higher reactivity towards the reaction.

Out of the given compounds, compound I (toluene) has an electron-donating methyl group attached to the ring, making it the most reactive towards the nitration reaction.

Compound III (chlorobenzene) has an electron-withdrawing chlorine group attached to the ring, leading to decreased electron density on the ring and lower reactivity towards the nitration reaction.

Compounds II (anisole) and IV (nitrobenzene) both have electron-withdrawing groups attached to the ring, but nitrobenzene has a stronger withdrawing group (-NO2) than anisole (-OCH3). Thus, compound II is more reactive towards nitration compared to IV.

Therefore, the correct order of decreasing reactivity towards nitration is II > I > III > IV, which is given by choice C.

Arrange the Compounds in Order of Decreasing Reactivity Towards the Aromatic