NEETChemistryHydrocarbons
Which of the following substituents is most likely to deactivate the benzene ring in electrophilic aromatic substitution?
Options
- AMethoxy (-OCH 3 ) group
- BChlorine (-Cl) atom
- CAmino (-NH 2 ) group
- DHydroxyl (-OH) group
Correct answer
B. Chlorine (-Cl) atom
Step-by-step solution
Chlorine (-Cl) is a deactivating group due to its strong -I effect, which reduces electron density on the benzene ring, making it less reactive in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions.