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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
Among the following compounds the one that is most reactive towards electrophilic nitration is
ChemistryGeneral Organic ChemistryNEETNEET 2012 (Screening)
Options:
  • A benzoic acid
  • B nitrobenzene
  • C toluene
  • D benzene
Solution:
1591 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: toluene
Presence of electron releasing group like $-R,-\mathrm{OH}$ etc., increases the electron density at $o / p$ position and thus, makes the benzene ring more reactive (at $o / p$ positions) towards electrophile. On the other hand, electron withdrawing group like $-\mathrm{COOH},-\mathrm{NO}_2$ etc., if present, reduces electron density and thus, reduces the activity of benzene nucleus towards electrophile. Thus, the order of the given compounds towards electrophilic nitration is


Thus, toluene is most reactive towards electrophilic nitration.

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