AIPMT – 2011

Hint: In toluene, if the electron-donating group is attached at ortho or para position then the reactivity of toluene increases.

As the electron-donating groups are attached at the ortho and para position of toluene, the electron density of toluene increases. If an electron-withdrawing group is present then the electron density of toluene decreases and the reactivity of toluene decreases.

In o-cresol, the OH group is attached which increases the electron density of the benzene ring and the reactivity of o-cresol

increases toward electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction.