NEETChemistryAlcohols Phenols and Ethers
Explain why nucleophilic substitution reactions are not very common in phenols.
Options
- AThe aromatic ring in phenols is highly reactive, making it difficult for nucleophiles to attack the phenolic r
- BPhenols are inherently unreactive compounds and do not readily undergo nucleophilic substitution reactions.
- CThe OH group in phenols is a strong electron donating group. As a result, electron density on the benzene ring
- DPhenols have a low electron density, making them unattractive to nucleophiles.
Correct answer
C. The OH group in phenols is a strong electron donating group. As a result, electron density on the benzene ring
Step-by-step solution
Correct Option is : (C) The OH group in phenols is a strong electron donating group. As a result, electron density on the benzene ring is quite high and hence it repels nucleophiles. In other words, nucleophiles cannot attack the benzene ring and hence phenols usually do not give nucleophilic substitution reactions