Question

Write the mechanism of nucleophilic displacement reaction when o-nitrochlorobenzene is treated with aqueous caustic soda

Answer 1

Hi there,

Electron withdrawing Group activates the Benzene to nucleophilic attack. NaOH will react with chlorobenzene, but solely underneath extreme conditions. Aryl halides cannot endure an electron withdrawing groups ortho and para to the leaving group activate the ring to nucleophilic attack. The presence of additional Electron withdrawing Group increases the rate of the Reaction.