Question

The correct increasing order of reactivity for the following molecules towards electrophilic aromatic substitution is:

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

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$I<IV<III<II$

Greater is the electron density on the aromatic ring, greater is the reactivity towards electrophilic aromatic substitution.

The nitro and chloro group is electron-withdrawing group thus it decreases the electron density from the ring thus making it unsuitable for electrophilic substitution reaction.

Whereas the methoxy group is electron-donating group and it increases electron density on benzene ring thus making it most suitable for electrophilic substitution reaction.