Question
Consider the following compounds Arrange these compounds in the increasing order of reactivity with nitrating mixture.
JEE Main
Chemistry
Hydrocarbons
2026
JEE Main 2026 (23 January Shift 1)
JEE Main Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution
Options
- A. c < a < b
- B. b < a < c
- C. c < b < a
- D. b < c < a
Answer
B. b < a < c
Step-by-step solution
Electrophilic aromatic nitration reactivity depends on the electronic effects of substituents. Compound a (chlorobenzene) has a weakly deactivating chlorine group. Compound b (nitrobenzene) has a strongly electron-withdrawing nitro group, making it significantly deactivated. Compound c (anisole) has an electron-donating methoxy group, making it highly activated. In order of increasing reactivity with nitrating mixture: nitrobenzene (b) is least reactive due to strong deactivation, chlorobenzene (a) is moderately reactive, and anisole (c) is most reactive due to activation. The increasing order is b < a < c.
Related: Chemistry — Hydrocarbons · All PYQ Banks