Which of the following correctly gives the decreasing order of rate of nitration?

A $C X_{6} H X_{5} CH X_{3} > C X_{6} H X_{5} OCH X_{3} > C X_{6} H X_{5} NO X_{2} > C X_{6} H X_{5} Cl$
B $C X_{6} H X_{5} OCH X_{3} > C X_{6} H X_{5} CH X_{3} > C X_{6} H X_{5} NO X_{2} > C X_{6} H X_{5} Cl$
C $C X_{6} H X_{5} Cl > C X_{6} H X_{5} OCH X_{3} > C X_{6} H X_{5} CH X_{3} > C X_{6} H X_{5} NO X_{2}$
D $C X_{6} H X_{5} OCH X_{3} > C X_{6} H X_{5} CH X_{3} > C X_{6} H X_{5} Cl > C X_{6} H X_{5} NO X_{2}$

Answer: D

The methoxy group is a strong +M donor, so anisole is the most reactive; methyl is a weak activator. Chlorine deactivates through -I. The nitro group deactivates by -I and -M, making nitrobenzene the least reactive. The order is anisole > toluene > chlorobenzene > nitrobenzene.

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Which of the following correctly gives the decreasing order of rate of nitration?

Answer: D

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