Fundamentals of Organic ChemistryChemistryGeneral Organic Chemistry
Identify the correct decreasing order of electron density in the benzene ring for the following compounds: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
Options
- A(i) > (iii) > (iv) > (ii)
- B(iv) > (i) > (iii) > (ii)
- C(iii) > (ii) > (i) > (iv)
- D(iii) > (i) > (iv) > (ii)
Correct answer
D. (iii) > (i) > (iv) > (ii)
Step-by-step solution
To determine the correct decreasing order of electron density in the benzene ring, we need to analyze the electronic effects of the groups attached to it in each compound: 1. Compound (iii): The benzene ring is attached to both an oxygen atom ( -O- ) and a nitrogen atom ( -NH- ). Both of these atoms have lone pairs and exert a strong +M (mesomeric) effect, donating electron density into the ring. The presence of two such strongly activating groups makes this ring the most electron-rich. 2. Compound (i): The benzene