Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2017 2017Moderate

Which compound will undergo substitution reaction faster than benzene ?

Correct answer: D. Phenol

  • A. Nitrobenzene
  • B. Benzoic acid
  • C. Benzaldehyde
  • D. Phenol

Explanation

Option "a) Nitrobenzene," "b) Benzoic acid," and "c) Benzaldehyde" do not have electron-donating groups like the hydroxyl group in phenol. Instead, they possess electron-withdrawing groups (nitro group in nitrobenzene, carboxyl group in benzoic acid, and carbonyl group in benzaldehyde) that deactivate the benzene ring toward electrophilic substitution reactions. This electron-withdrawing effect reduces the reactivity of these compounds compared to benzene.In summary, "d) Phenol" will undergo substitution reactions faster than benzene due to the activating effect of the hydroxyl group on the benzene ring.

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About Benzene and Aromatic Compounds

Benzene has a planar ring of delocalised π electrons, giving aromatic stability and equal carbon-carbon bond lengths. The topic covers resonance, electrophilic substitution reactions such as nitration, halogenation, sulphonation and Friedel-Crafts reactions, along with substituent effects and the distinction between substitution in benzene and addition in ordinary alkenes.

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