Which of the following compounds would you expect to be most reactive toward ring nitration?
A)Benzene
B)Toluene
C)m-Xylene
D)o-Xylene
E)Benzoic acid

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Benzene is the most reactive towards nitration because it has no substituents to block the incoming NO2 group, whereas toluene and the xylenes have methyl substituents that hinder the reaction by making it more difficult for the nitronium ion to attack the aromatic ring. Benzoic acid, on the other hand, has a carboxyl group which deactivates the ring towards electrophilic substitution reactions.

Which of the Following Compounds Would You Expect to Be