Question

The correct increasing order of reactivity for the following molecules towards electrophilic aromatic substitution is

• A. I < IV < II < III
• B. I < IV < III < II
• C. I < III < II < IV
• D. I < III < IV < II

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

I < IV < III < II

Answer 2

Greater is the electron density on the aromatic ring, greater is the reactivity towards electrophilic aromatic substitution. The nitro and chloro group is electron-withdrawing group thus it decreases the electron density from the ring thus making it unsuitable for electrophilic substitution reaction. Whereas the methoxy group is electron-donating group and it increases electron density on benzene ring thus making it most suitable for electrophilic substitution reaction.