How does a hydroxyl substituent (-OH) on a benzene ring influence further electrophilic aromatic substitution?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Strongly activating and ortho/para-directing due to resonance donation of oxygen lone pairs
Although oxygen is electronegative (inductive electron withdrawal), resonance donation of its lone pair into the pi system strongly activates the ring and stabilizes arenium intermediates at ortho and para positions.
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