Question

The replacement of chlorine of chlorobenzene to give phenol requires drastic conditions, but the chlorine of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene is readily replaced since,

• A. nitro groups make the aromatic ring electron rich at ortho/para positions
• B. nitro groups withdraw electrons from the meta position of the aromatic ring
• C. nitro groups donate electrons at meta position
• D. nitro groups withdraw electrons from ortho/ para positions of the aromatic ring

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

$—NO_2$ group is electron attractive group, so it is able to deactivate the benzene ring hence withdrawl of electrons from ortho & para position cause easy removal of -Cl atom due to development of +ve charge on o- and p positions.