JEE Main · 2024 · Shift-IeasyHC-132

Which compound will most easily be attacked by an electrophile?

Hydrocarbons · Class 11 · JEE Main Previous Year Question

Question

Which compound will most easily be attacked by an electrophile? image

Options
  1. a

    Benzene

  2. b

    Toluene

  3. c

    Chlorobenzene

  4. d

    Phenol

Correct Answerd

Phenol

Detailed Solution

Step 1: Identifying the Most Reactive Compound An electrophile attacks the ring with the highest electron density.

  • Phenol (d): \ceOH\ce{-OH} group provides strong +R+R (resonance) activation.
  • Toluene (b): \ceCH3\ce{-CH3} is weakly activating (+I+I, hyperconjugation).
  • Chlorobenzene (c): \ceCl\ce{-Cl} is deactivating.
  • Benzene (a): Reference.

Step 2: Conclusion Phenol is the most activated and will be attacked most easily by an electrophile.

Answer: (d) Phenol\boxed{\text{Answer: (d) Phenol}}

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