Grade 12Organic Chemistry

Which is more reactive towards electrophillic substitution reaction and why?
C6H5OH(phenol) or C6H5CH2OH

surbhi

6 Years agoGrade 12

3 Answers

Vikas TU

6 Years ago

Dear student

Electrophilic substitution depends upon the electron density on the benzene ring, nitro group show -R effect and anime and alcohol show +R effect.
In p-nitrotoluene, the nitro group will decrease the electron density in the benzene ring, hence being the least reactive.
In p-methyl aniline and p-methyl phenol, anime and alcohol group will increase electron density and make it more reactive towards Electrophilic substitution, this effect is profound in alcohols more than amines
So the order must be,
p-methyl phenol > p-methyl aniline > Benzene > p-nitro toluene.

Arun

6 Years ago

In anisole the resonace stabilisation from the lone pair of electrons on the oxygen atom is somewhat disturbed through a hyperconjugation. ... This effect is however absent in phenol and hence the aromatic ring is more electron rich thereby phenol is more reactive than anisole towards electrophilic aromatic substitution

RISHIKA

5 Years ago

HEY FRIEND

Towards electrophilic substitution methylaniline is most reactive as the methyl group induces positive inductive effect on the ring which increases the electron density on nitrogen atom so attracts the electrophile towards it for substitution.

THANK U