Which of the following substituents deactivates the benzene ring towards electrophilic substitution?

Options

A. `-NHCH_(3)`
B. `-OH`
C. `-OCH_(3)`
D. `-COOCH_(3)`

Answer

D

Explanation

The groups `-overset(..)(N)HCH_(3)` and `-underset(..)overset(..)(O)H` are strongly activating group `-overset(..)underset(..)(O)CH_(3)` is moderately activating but group `-overset(O)overset(||)(C)-OCH_(3)` is moderately deactivating due to its `-I_("effect")` as well as `-R_("effect")`