The presence of −NO2 group in benzene ring
A. activates the ring towards electrophilic substitutions.
B. deactivates the ring towards electrophilic substitutions.
C. activates the ring towards nucleophilic substitutions.
D. deactivates the ring towards nucleophilic substitutions.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
Correct Answer: B and C Only
The −NO2 group is a strong electron withdrawing group due to its −I (inductive) and −M (resonance) effects. Because of these effects, it pulls electron density away from the benzene ring.
Due to decreased electron density in the ring, the benzene ring becomes less reactive towards electrophilic substitution reactions. Hence, the −NO2 group deactivates the ring towards electrophilic substitutions.
At the same time, the electron withdrawing nature of the −NO2 group stabilizes the negatively charged intermediate formed during nucleophilic aromatic substitution. Therefore, the presence of −NO2 group activates the ring towards nucleophilic substitutions.
Thus, statements B and C are correct.
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