AIIMS 2019 Chemistry Electrophilic Substitution MCQ Question

Electrophilicity increases with the presence of electron-withdrawing groups, which stabilize positive charges and enhance the reactivity of electrophiles. Option B (CH₃) is a weak electron-donating group, which makes the compound less electrophilic compared to the strong electron-withdrawing groups like NO₂ (option A), which significantly increases electrophilicity. Options C (OCH₃) and D (NMe₂) are also electron-donating groups, further reducing electrophilic character. Therefore, the presence of strong electron-withdrawing groups like NO₂ enhances electrophilicity more than the weak electron-donating effects of CH₃.