Question

Aryl halides do not undergo nucleophilic substitution reactions under ordinary conditions because:

• A. Approach of nucleophile is retarded
• B. Carbon carrying halogen atom is sp³ -hybridised
• C. The substrate molecule is destabilised due to resonance
• D. Partial double bond character between C and X

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Partial double bond character between C and X

The C-X bond in aryl halides acquires some double bond character as a result the bond C-X cleavage becomes difficult . Hence aryl halides are less reactive towards nucleophilic substitution.