In the following compounds, anisole (I), benzene (II) and nitrobenzene (III), the ease of reaction with electrophiles is:

Options

A. `IIgtIIIgtI`
B. `IIIgtIIgtI`
C. `IIgtIgtIII`
D. `IgtIIgtIII`

Answer

To determine the ease of reaction with electrophiles for the compounds anisole (I), benzene (II), and nitrobenzene (III), we can analyze the effects of the substituents on the benzene ring in each compound.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Structures**:
- **Anisole (I)**: Contains a benzene ring with a methoxy group (–OCH₃) attached.
- **Benzene (II)**: A simple benzene ring with no substituents.
- **Nitrobenzene (III)**: Contains a benzene ring with a nitro group (–NO₂) attached.

2. **Analyze the Substituents**:
- **Anisole (I)**: The methoxy group (–OCH₃) is an electron-donating group due to resonance. It increases the electron density on the benzene ring, making it more reactive towards electrophiles. This group is considered a strongly activating group.
- **Benzene (II)**: Benzene has no substituents that can either donate or withdraw electrons. Therefore, it has a moderate reactivity towards electrophiles, serving as a baseline for comparison.
- **Nitrobenzene (III)**: The nitro group (–NO₂) is an electron-withdrawing group. It decreases the electron density on the benzene ring, making it less reactive towards electrophiles. This group is considered a strongly deactivating group.

3. **Determine the Reactivity Order**:
- Since anisole has an electron-donating group, it will react fastest with electrophiles.
- Benzene, having no substituents, will have moderate reactivity.
- Nitrobenzene, with its electron-withdrawing group, will be the least reactive towards electrophiles.
- Therefore, the order of reactivity with electrophiles is:
- **Anisole (I) > Benzene (II) > Nitrobenzene (III)**

4. **Conclusion**:
- The final order of reactivity towards electrophiles is:
- **1 (Anisole) > 2 (Benzene) > 3 (Nitrobenzene)**