Question

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

• A. The nitration of phenol is faster than phenyl acetate.
• B. The reaction of is faster than with .
• C. Base-catalysed hydrolysis of -nitrophenyl acetate is faster than phenyl acetate.
• D. Acid-catalysed esterification of is faster than -nitrophenol with .

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C), (D)

(1) Correct. SE reaction is favoured by EDG; less favoured by EWG.

Due to cross-conjugation in (II), -donating power of oxygen to the ring decreases and hence it is less reactive than(I).

Basic and nucleophilic character:

Since, is a stronger nucleophile than . Hence, it reacts faster with .

As we know, (I) is faster than (II). The -withdrawing effect of group and , from makes a weaker base and better leaving group.
(4) Esterification of is faster than -nitrophenol. Phenol, a less acidic compound (or more basic) is more reactive in acidic conditions. With its group, -nitrophenol is less basic and less reactive.