Question

Rank the following compounds in order of increasing reactivity in electrophilic aromatic substitution.

Short answer

The aromatic rings are rich in electrons because of their delocalization in the ring. Therefore, they are more reactive toward electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions.

Step-by-step solution

Electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction

The aromatic rings are rich in electrons because of their delocalization in the ring. Therefore, they are more reactive toward electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions.

Reactivity towards electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction

The electron density on the aromatic ring is decreased by the electron-withdrawing group whereas the electron-donating group increases the electron density.

Explanation

The increasing order of reactivity for the electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction is shown below.