JEE Main 2026 — Hydrocarbons Question with Solution
JEE Main 2026 (22 January Shift 1)
Question
Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Benzene is nitrated to give nitrobenzene, which on further treatment with will give
Statement II: group is a -directing, and deactivating group.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below
Statement I: Benzene is nitrated to give nitrobenzene, which on further treatment with will give
Statement II: group is a -directing, and deactivating group.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below
Choose an option
Show full solutionCorrect option: A
Correct answer
AStatement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
Step-by-step explanation
Statement I: Benzene reacts with nitrating mixture () to form nitrobenzene. However, nitrobenzene is highly deactivated due to the strong electron-withdrawing and effects of the group. Friedel-Crafts reactions (alkylation or acylation) do not occur on strongly deactivated rings like nitrobenzene. Thus, nitrobenzene will not react with to give m-nitroacetophenone. Statement I is incorrect.
Statement II: The group is a meta-directing group because it withdraws electron density from the ortho and para positions more than from the meta position. It is also a deactivating group as it reduces the overall electron density of the benzene ring, making it less reactive towards electrophilic aromatic substitution. Statement II is correct.
Therefore, Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.
Statement II: The group is a meta-directing group because it withdraws electron density from the ortho and para positions more than from the meta position. It is also a deactivating group as it reduces the overall electron density of the benzene ring, making it less reactive towards electrophilic aromatic substitution. Statement II is correct.
Therefore, Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.
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This is a previous-year question from JEE Main 2026, covering the Hydrocarbons 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.