COMEDK20269 May 2026Morning ShiftChemistryHydrocarbonsActual
The decreasing order of reactivity towards electrophilic substitutions is:
Options
- AI > II > III > IV
- BI > III > IV > II
- CIV > I > II > III
- DIII > I > II > IV
Correct answer
D. III > I > II > IV
Step-by-step solution
Reactivity towards electrophilic aromatic substitution depends on the electron density of the benzene ring. Electron-donating groups (EDG) increase the electron density and activate the ring, while electron-withdrawing groups (EWG) decrease the electron density and deactivate the ring. Let us analyze the given compounds: 1. Compound (III) has an - OCH ₃ group. It is a strongly activating group due to its strong +R (resonance) effect, which outweighs its -I effect. 2. Compound (I) has a - CH ₃ group. It is an activa