Question

Arrange in order of decreasing reactivity towards electrophilic reagent in; chlorobenzene (I), benzene (II), toluene (III), phenol (IV) would be:

• A. $IV>III>II>I$
• B. $IV>I>II>III$
• C. $II>I>IV>III$
• D. $I>II>IV>III$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $IV>III>II>I$

Benzene having any activating group i.e OH,R etc under goes electrophilic substitution very easily as compared to benzene itself.

Thus toluene, phenol undergo electrophilic substitution very readily than benzene.

Chlorine with +E and +M effect (delocalized) deactivates the ring due to strong −I effect.So, it is difficult to carry out the substitution in chlorobenzene than in benzene.