Question

Rank the following compounds in order of reactivity toward nitration with HNO3:_______. thiophene, benzene, 3-methylthiophene, and 2-methylfuran.

Answer 1

The compounds can be ranked in order of increasing reactivity towards nitration with HNO3 as follows: Benzene < Thiophene < 3-Methylthiophene < 2-Methylfuran.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reactivity towards nitration with HNO3 can be determined by considering the electron-donating or withdrawing effects of the substituents present on the aromatic compounds. Electron-donating groups increase the reactivity, while electron-withdrawing groups decrease the reactivity. Based on this, the compounds can be ranked in order of increasing reactivity as follows:

1. Benzene
2. Thiophene
3. 3-Methylthiophene
4. 2-Methylfuran

In this ranking, benzene is the least reactive as it has no substituents. Thiophene is more reactive than benzene due to the presence of the sulfur atom, which donates electrons to the ring. 3-Methylthiophene is even more reactive as the methyl group donates additional electrons. Finally, 2-Methylfuran is the most reactive as it contains both a methyl group and an oxygen atom, which has a strong electron-donating effect.