Practice free →
HomeMHT-CETChemistryHalogen Derivatives › Aryl halides are far **less reactive** than alky…

Aryl halides are far **less reactive** than alkyl halides toward nucleophilic substitution because:

AAryl halides are more polar
BC–X bond in aryl halide is shorter and stronger (sp² C, partial double-bond character from C–X conjugation with ring); also Ar⁺ would be very unstable
CHalogen is in different orbital
DAryl rings act as nucleophiles
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. C–X bond in aryl halide is shorter and stronger (sp² C, partial double-bond character from C–X conjugation with ring); also Ar⁺ would be very unstable
Aryl C-X has partial double-bond character (lone-pair conjugation from X into ring) ⇒ shorter, stronger bond. Plus, breaking it would form an aryl cation (very unstable) for S$_N$1, and aromatic π-system blocks backside S$_N$2 attack. Hence aryl halides need harsh conditions (e.g., NaOH at 350°C) or electron-withdrawing groups (NO₂) ortho/para to activate.
Solve this in the app — MHT-CET practice & 24k+ MCQs →
Related questions