JEE Chemistry 2026 Question with Solution

Given: The effect of the $\mathrm{NO_2}$ group on a benzene ring is to be identified for electrophilic and nucleophilic substitutions.

Find: Which statements among $A$, $B$, $C$, and $D$ are correct.

Concept: The nitro group $\mathrm{NO_2}$ is a strong electron-withdrawing group because of $-I$ and $-M$ effects.

1. Electrophilic substitution: It reduces electron density on the benzene ring, so the ring becomes less reactive towards electrophilic substitution. Therefore, statement $B$ is correct.
2. Nucleophilic substitution: The provided solution states that the $\mathrm{NO_2}$ group also deactivates the ring towards nucleophilic substitution. Therefore, statement $D$ is correct.
3. Hence, the correct statements are $B$ and $D$.

Therefore, the correct option is D.