Which of the following substituents is a deactivating group in electrophilic aromatic substitution?

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Q: Which of the following substituents is a deactivating group in electrophilic aromatic substitution?

Solution: The nitro group (-NO2) is a strong deactivating group due to its electron-withdrawing nature, making the aromatic ring less reactive.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand what a substituent is. A substituent is an atom or group of atoms that replaces a hydrogen atom in an aromatic ring.
Step 2: Learn about electrophilic aromatic substitution. This is a reaction where an electrophile replaces a hydrogen atom on the aromatic ring.
Step 3: Know the difference between activating and deactivating groups. Activating groups make the aromatic ring more reactive, while deactivating groups make it less reactive.
Step 4: Identify the nitro group (-NO2). This group is known to withdraw electrons from the aromatic ring.
Step 5: Recognize that the electron-withdrawing nature of the nitro group decreases the reactivity of the aromatic ring.
Step 6: Conclude that since the nitro group (-NO2) makes the ring less reactive, it is classified as a strong deactivating group.