In electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction, the nitro …

Chemistry Hydrocarbon Karnataka - CET Previous Year Question Single Correct MCQ

Published by: CGP EDU Academic Team

Published on: August 13, 2026

In electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction, the nitro group is meta directing because it

decreases electron density at meta position

increases electron density at meta position

increases electron density at ortho and para positions

decreases electron density at ortho and para positions.

Text Solution

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The correct answer is:

: The directive influence of as an electrophile in electrophilic aromatic substitution is due to the effect or electron withdrawing effect of , and can be explained on the basis of the resonating structures obtained by the attack of the group on the benzene ring:

The substituent, i.e., withdraws electrons from and -positions. Thus, -position becomes a point of relatively high electron density and further substitution by electrophile occurs at -position.