Question

Increasing order of the nucleophilic substitution of following compounds is

• A. I $<$ III $<$ II $<$ IV
• B. II $<$ I $<$ III $<$ IV
• C. II $<$ III $<$ I $<$ IV
• D. IV $<$ III $<$ II $<$ I

Hint:

Using a simple frame or just bolding for the box Key Points: Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution (S$_N$Ar) rate depends on the stability of the Meisenheimer intermediate (negatively charged). Electron-Withdrawing Groups (EWGs like -NO$_2$, -CN, -CF$_3$) at ortho/para positions increase the rate by stabilizing the negative charge. Electron-Donating Groups (EDGs like -OCH$_3$, -NH$_2$, -alkyl) decrease the rate by destabilizing the negative charge. The more EWGs at ortho/para positions, the higher the reactivity.