Based on strict structural reaction pathways, which of the following exactly substituted halobenzene — Haloalkanes and Haloarenes Chemistry Question
Question
Based on strict structural reaction pathways, which of the following exactly substituted halobenzenes will forcibly and exclusively undergo basic nucleophilic substitution via the benzyne mechanism instead of the lower-energy $S_NAr$ pathway?
💡 Solution & Explanation
Aryl halides safely containing powerful electron-withdrawing groups (like $-NO_2$) exactly at the ortho or para positions efficiently undergo the stabilized addition-elimination $S_NAr$ mechanism. Conversely, aryl halides containing strictly electron-donating groups like a simple methyl group (1-chloro-4-methylbenzene) fundamentally fail to stabilize the required intermediate carbanion, safely forcing the reaction to carefully proceed exclusively via the benzyne mechanism.