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Question:

Some meta-directing substituents in aromatic substitution are given. Which one is most deactivating?

−COOH

−SO3H

−NO2

−C≡N

Solution:

The meta-directing substituents −C≡N, −SO3H and −COOH are moderately deactivating whereas −NO2 is strongly deactivating. Hence, it is most deactivating. Option D is correct.