Which of the following compound will most easily be attacked by an electrophile?
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Answer
(2) [figure]
Solution
More electron density in the ring ⇒ faster electrophilic attack
[figure]
(B): –OH, strong +R (lone pair of O into ring, δ− at o/p) ⇒ (B) is most activated
(D): –CH3, +I and hyperconjugation ⇒ (D) is weakly activated
(A): –Cl, −I > +R ⇒ (A) is deactivated
Order: phenol > toluene > benzene > chlorobenzene
Answer: (2)