Question

In an electrophilic substitution reaction of nitrobenzene, the presence of nitro group

• A. activates the ring by resonance effect
• B. activates the ring by inductive effect
• C. decreases the charge density at ortho and para -position of the ring relative to meta -position by resonance
• D. increases the charge density at meta -position relative to the ortho and para -positions of the ring by resonance

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Nitro group by virtue of $-I$-effect withdraws electron from the benzene ring and decreases the charge density on ortho and para position as shown below.

Thus, electron density decreases at $o / p$-positions in case of $- NO _{2}$ and, hence the electrophile attacks at comparatively electron rich meta-position.