Question

In an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction, the nitro group is meta directing because of it:

• A. decreases electron density at ortho and para positions
• B. decreases electron density at meta position
• C. increases electron density at meta position
• D. increases electron density at ortho and para positions

Answer 1

The correct option is A decreases electron density at ortho and para positions

In nitrobenzene, the nitro group $(-N{O}_2)$ is attached to the benzene ring. $-N{O}_2$ group is an electron withdrawing group. It deactivates benzene ring towards electrophilic substitution reaction.

The resonating structure of nitrobenzene shows +ve charge develops in ortho and para positions.

As a result, the electron density at meta position is relatively higher than at the ortho and para position.

It decreases the electron density at ortho and para position thus making the electron density at meta position more than at ortho and para position.