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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3o1068

The correct order of reactivity towards nucleophilic addition (e.g. HCN) for the following benzaldehydes is

  1. Abenzaldehyde 4-nitrobenzaldehyde 4-methoxybenzaldehyde 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde
  2. B4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde 4-methoxybenzaldehyde benzaldehyde 4-nitrobenzaldehyde
  3. C4-nitrobenzaldehyde 4-methoxybenzaldehyde benzaldehyde 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde
  4. D4-nitrobenzaldehyde benzaldehyde 4-methoxybenzaldehyde 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde

Answer: D

A -M/-I group (nitro) increases the positive charge on the carbonyl carbon. +M donors (OMe, and more strongly ) push electron density into the carbonyl through the ring and reduce its electrophilicity. The order of donor strength is , so reactivity follows the reverse sequence.
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