Which substituent on a benzene ring is strongly deactivating and directs incoming electrophiles exclusively to the meta position?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Nitro group
The nitro group (-NO2) is strongly electron-withdrawing through both inductive and resonance effects (-I, -M). It destabilizes ortho and para arenium ions placing positive charge adjacent to the positive nitrogen, directing substitution to the meta position.
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