Question

For \( P \), the incorrect statement is:

• A. \( P \) is less reactive than benzyl chloride towards nucleophilic substitution reaction.
• B. In \( P \), C-Cl bond has partial double bond character.
• C. \( Cl \) is an ortho-para directing group towards electrophilic aromatic substitution.
• D. \( P \) can undergo nucleophilic substitution reaction in normal conditions.

Hint:

In nucleophilic substitution reactions, benzyl and allyl halides are more reactive than other alkyl halides due to the stability of the transition state.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine the incorrect statement about compound \( P \), let's evaluate each option:

Statement 1: \( P \) is less reactive than benzyl chloride towards nucleophilic substitution reaction.

In aromatic systems like chlorobenzene (a common choice for \( P \)), the C-Cl bond has partial double bond character due to resonance. This stabilizes the bond, making it less reactive than benzyl chloride, where the \( C-Cl \) bond is a normal single bond. Thus, this statement is correct.

Statement 2: In \( P \), C-Cl bond has partial double bond character.

In chlorobenzene, resonance between the benzene ring and the chlorine atom delocalizes the lone pair of electrons from the chlorine into the benzene ring. This gives a partial double bond character to the C-Cl bond. Hence, this statement is correct.

Statement 3: \( Cl \) is an ortho-para directing group towards electrophilic aromatic substitution.

Chlorine is an electron-donating group through resonance, albeit weakly, and directs electrophilic substitutions to the ortho and para positions of the benzene ring. This statement is correct.

Statement 4: \( P \) can undergo nucleophilic substitution reaction in normal conditions.

Chlorobenzene does not readily undergo nucleophilic substitution reaction under normal conditions due to the stability imparted by resonance. Harsh conditions or strong nucleophiles are typically required for substitution. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Conclusion: The incorrect statement about compound \( P \) is the fourth statement: "\(P\) can undergo nucleophilic substitution reaction in normal conditions." This aligns with the provided correct answer.