Question

Arrange the following compounds in their increasing order of reactivity towards $C{H}_{3}ONa$.

• A. $I<II<III$
• B. $III<II<I$
• C. $II<III<I$
• D. $I<III<II$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $I<III<II$

The nitro group ortho or para to the leaving group can activate the substrate towards nucleophilic substitution. Structure II, has nitro group para to the leaving group and hence it is the most reactive amongst the three. Structure III has two nitro groups meta to the leaving group and hence the second most reactive. Structure I has one nitro group meta to the leaving group and it is the least reactive.
So the order of reactivity with $C{H}_{3}ONa$ is: