Why do aryl halides undergo electrophilic substitution reactions at $o-$ and $p-$positions? Why are they less reactive than benzene?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Aryl halides undergo electrophilic substitution reactions such as halogenation,nitration,sulphonation,and Friedel-Crafts reactions. The halogen atom,due to its lone pairs,exhibits a $+M$ (mesomeric) effect,which increases the electron density at the $o-$ and $p-$positions. Therefore,the incoming electrophile is directed to these positions.
Aryl halides are less reactive than benzene towards electrophilic substitution because the halogen atom is highly electronegative and exerts a strong $-I$ (inductive) effect. This effect withdraws electron density from the benzene ring,thereby deactivating it. Consequently,electrophilic substitution in haloarenes requires more drastic conditions compared to benzene.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Which of the following reactions is a $Wurtz-Fittig$ reaction?

How will you convert benzene into:
$(i)$ $p-$nitrobromobenzene
(ii) $m-$nitrochlorobenzene

Give the product of the following reaction sequence:

Difficult
View Solution

$o$-Toluic acid on reaction with $Br_2 + Fe$ gives:

The reaction between chlorobenzene and chloral in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid produces $:$

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo