JEE Main202622 January 2026Morning ShiftChemistryHydrocarbonsActual
Given below are two statements: Statement I : Benzene is nitrated to give nitrobenzene, which on further treatment with CH ₃ COCl / AlCl ₃ will give Statement II : - NO ₂ group is a m -directing, and deactivating group. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below
Options
- AStatement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
- BBoth Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
- CBoth Statement I and Statement II are correct
- DStatement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
Correct answer
A. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
Step-by-step solution
Statement I: Benzene reacts with nitrating mixture ( conc. HNO₃ + conc. H₂SO₄ ) to form nitrobenzene. However, nitrobenzene is highly deactivated due to the strong electron-withdrawing -I and -M effects of the -NO₂ group. Friedel-Crafts reactions (alkylation or acylation) do not occur on strongly deactivated rings like nitrobenzene. Thus, nitrobenzene will not react with CH₃COCl/AlCl₃ to give m-nitroacetophenone. Statement I is incorrect. Statement II: The -NO₂ group is a meta-directing group because it withdraws e