Question

Out of chlorobenzene and 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene, which is more reactive towards nucleophilic substitution and why?

Hint:

Electron-withdrawing groups such as nitro (\( \text{NO}_2 \)) increase the reactivity of aromatic compounds in nucleophilic substitution reactions by destabilizing the carbon-halogen bond.

Answer 1

The presence of electron-withdrawing nitro (\( \text{NO}_2 \)) groups on the benzene ring of 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene enhances its reactivity in nucleophilic substitution. These groups withdraw electron density from the ring, weakening the carbon-chlorine bond and promoting nucleophilic attack. Chlorobenzene, lacking these electron-withdrawing groups, exhibits lower reactivity in nucleophilic substitution.