JEE Main 2026 — Haloalkanes and Haloarenes Question with Solution
JEE Main 2026 (21 January Shift 2)
Question
The correct order of reactivity of the following benzyl halides towards reaction with KCN is :
Choose an option
Show full solutionCorrect option: B
Correct answer
B
Step-by-step explanation
Reactivity in SN2 reactions with KCN depends on the stability and nucleophilicity of the transition state.
For benzyl halides, substituents on the benzene ring affect the reactivity of the benzylic carbon through resonance and inductive effects.
Para-nitro group (-NO2) is strongly electron-withdrawing, activating the benzylic carbon toward nucleophilic substitution.
Para-amino (-NH2) is electron-donating, deactivating.
Para-hydroxyl (-OH) is weakly donating.
Meta-nitro group has reduced electron-withdrawal compared to para-position.
Order of reactivity based on electronic effects: para-NO2 (c) > meta-NO2 (d) > para-OH (a) > para-NH2 (b).
This gives b > a > d > c
For benzyl halides, substituents on the benzene ring affect the reactivity of the benzylic carbon through resonance and inductive effects.
Para-nitro group (-NO2) is strongly electron-withdrawing, activating the benzylic carbon toward nucleophilic substitution.
Para-amino (-NH2) is electron-donating, deactivating.
Para-hydroxyl (-OH) is weakly donating.
Meta-nitro group has reduced electron-withdrawal compared to para-position.
Order of reactivity based on electronic effects: para-NO2 (c) > meta-NO2 (d) > para-OH (a) > para-NH2 (b).
This gives b > a > d > c
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This is a previous-year question from JEE Main 2026, covering the Haloalkanes and Haloarenes chapter of Chemistry. PrepSharp catalogues every PYQ from JEE Main with a verified answer key and step-by-step solution prepared by IIT alumni — so you can search by chapter, topic or year and revise efficiently.