Question

Coupling of diazonium salts with the following compounds takes place in the order:

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

Answer 1

The correct option is A IV < II < III < I

Diazonium cation is a weak electrophile and hence reacts with electron-rich compounds containing electron-donating groups such as -OH, -NH${}_2$ and -OCH${}_3$ groups and not with compounds containing electron-withdrawing groups such as -NO${}_2$, etc.

In the above case phenoxide ion(I) > Aniline(III) > phenol(II) > Anilinium ion (IV)

Phenoxide is more electron rich than aniline, phenol and anilinium ion.

Option A is correct.