Chemistry · Electronic displacement in a covalent bond: Inductive effect, electromeric effect, resonance and hyperconjugation

Aryl halides are less reactive towards nucleophilic substitution reaction as com

Aryl halides are less reactive towards nucleophilic substitution reaction as compared to alkyl halides due to: This question has multiple correct options

  • A. the formation of less stable carbonium ion
  • B. resonance stabilisation
  • C. longer carbon-halogen bond
  • D. the inductive effect \( \mathrm{E} \cdot s p^{2}- \) hybridised carbon attached to the halogen

Step-by-step solution

In aryl halides, the lone pair on halogen participates in resonance with the aromatic ring, giving partial double bond character to the C-X bond. This makes the bond stronger and less polar, reducing reactivity towards nucleophilic substitution. Additionally, the sp2 hybridized carbon has higher s-character, making the C-X bond shorter and stronger. In contrast, alkyl halides have sp3 carbon and no such resonance, so they are more reactive.
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