(Trifluoromethyl)benzene,C₆H₅CF₃,will A)nitrate rapidly in the ortho-para positions. B)nitrate slowly in the ortho-para positions. C)nitrate rapidly in the meta position. D)nitrate slowly in the meta position. E)fail to nitrate under any conditions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The trifluoromethyl group is an electron-withdrawing group, which deactivates the benzene ring and directs electrophilic substitution to the meta position. Therefore, (trifluoromethyl)benzene will nitrate slowly in the meta position.

(Trifluoromethyl)benzene,C6H5CF3,will

(Trifluoromethyl)benzene,C₆H₅CF₃,will