Q. Which one of the following is most reactive towards electrophilic attack?
A) Chlorobenzene (C₆H₅Cl)
B) Benzyl alcohol (C₆H₅CH₂OH)
C) Nitrobenzene (C₆H₅NO₂)
D) Phenol (C₆H₅OH)
Explanation
[Solution from source] The –OH group of phenol donates its lone pair into the ring (+R effect), which strongly activates the ring towards electrophiles. –CH₂OH is only weakly activating, –Cl deactivates by its –I effect, and –NO₂ strongly deactivates. Answer (4).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.