Q. Which of the following compounds undergoes nucleophilic substitution reaction most easily?
A) p-Chloroanisole (p-Cl–C₆H₄–OCH₃)
B) Chlorobenzene (C₆H₅Cl)
C) p-Nitrochlorobenzene (p-Cl–C₆H₄–NO₂)
D) p-Chlorotoluene (p-Cl–C₆H₄–CH₃)
Explanation
[Solution from source] Aryl halides undergo nucleophilic substitution only when electron-withdrawing groups at ortho/para positions stabilise the negatively charged intermediate. A para –NO₂ does this strongly, so p-nitrochlorobenzene reacts most easily. –OCH₃ and –CH₃ donate electrons and make substitution harder than in chlorobenzene. Answer (3).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.