Question

Given below are two statements: 
Statement I: Benzene is nitrated to give nitrobenzene, which on further treatment with \( \text{CH}_3\text{COCl} / \text{AlCl}_3 \) will give the product shown. 

Statement II: \( -\text{NO}_2 \) group is a meta-directing and deactivating group. 
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
• C. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
• D. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct

Hint:

Strong electron-withdrawing groups like \( -\text{NO}_2 \) are always deactivating and meta-directing in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Analyze Statement I.
Benzene on nitration gives nitrobenzene. The \( -\text{NO}_2 \) group is strongly electron-withdrawing and directs incoming electrophiles to the meta position. Thus, Friedel–Crafts acylation of nitrobenzene with \( \text{CH}_3\text{COCl} / \text{AlCl}_3 \) occurs at the meta position relative to the nitro group, giving the shown product. Hence, Statement I is correct.
Step 2: Analyze Statement II.
The nitro group (\( -\text{NO}_2 \)) is a strong deactivating group due to its \(-I\) and \(-M\) effects. It reduces electron density in the benzene ring and directs electrophilic substitution reactions to the meta position. Thus, Statement II is also correct.
Step 3: Final conclusion.
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{Both Statement I and Statement II are correct}} \]