The presence of an electron-withdrawing group at which position(s) with respect to the halogen most — Haloalkanes and Haloarenes Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The $-NO_2$ group withdraws electron density via the $-M$ (mesomeric) effect. This effectively stabilizes the intermediate carbanion strictly when the $-NO_2$ group is located at the ortho or para positions relative to the leaving halogen.