The order of decreasing reactivity towards an electrophilic reagent, for the following would be: (i) benzene (ii) toluene (iii) chlorobenzene (iv) phenol

Step-by-step solution

Electrophiles have high affinity for electrons. They attack at the site where electron-density is highest. Electron withdrawing substances increases the electron density. The electron withdrawing tendency decreases in the order : - OH >- CH ₃>- H >- Cl Therefore, the correct order of reactivity towards electrophile is C ₆ H ₅ OH > C ₆ H ₅ CH ₃> C ₆ H ₆> C ₆ H ₅ Cl Related Theory Electrophilic substitution reaction in haloarenes occur slowly because halogen has a negative inductive effect, it decreases the electron