Question

In which of the following, nitration will take place at m - position?

• A. I only
• B. II, III & IV
• C. I, III & IV
• D. I, II & III

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

I only

The activating group directs the reaction to the ortho or para position, which means the electrophile substitute the hydrogen that is on carbon 2 or carbon 4.

The deactivating group directs the reaction to the meta position, which means the electrophile substitute the hydrogen that is on carbon 3 with the exception of the halogens that is a deactivating group but directs the ortho or para substitution.

$CC{l}_3$ is a strong deactivating group so it is a meta director.

$Cl$ is ortho- para- directing groups but unlike most ortho- para- directors, Cl tend to deactivate benzene.(unusual property).