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Hydrocarbons appeared 35 times across 3 years — 4% of Chemistry. This question is from Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 14 12 9 35

Consider the following compounds
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution diagram for Q62 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
The image shows three substituted benzene rings: nitrobenzene (a), chlorobenzene (b), and anisole (c).
Arrange these compounds in the increasing order of reactivity with nitrating mixture.

Solution & Explanation

Core Logic

Reactivity in electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS) depends on the electron density of the benzene ring. Electron-donating groups (EDG) activate the ring, while electron-withdrawing groups (EWG) deactivate it.

Step 1: Substituent Analysis

In (a) Nitrobenzene: -NO₂ is a strongly deactivating group due to a very strong -M and -I effect. Lowest reactivity. In (b) Chlorobenzene: -Cl is weakly deactivating due to a strong -I effect dominating a weak +M effect. In (c) Anisole: -OCH₃ is strongly activating due to a very strong +M effect.

Step 2: Determining Order

Since -NO₂ is the most deactivating, compound (a) is the least reactive. Anisole (c) has the activating group, making it the most reactive.

Order of reactivity: a < b < c. Wait, evaluating the options and logic: Nitrobenzene is highly deactivated. So a is least reactive. Chlorobenzene is mildly deactivated. Anisole is highly activated. The increasing order is a < b < c. Let me re-read the options. The options are: (1) c < a < b (2) b < c < a (3) c < b < a (4) b < a < c Wait, the solution claims the answer is (4), which is b < a < c, but that doesn't match standard chemistry. Let me check the solution text carefully. Solution text: 'In Ph-OMe, OMe is a electron donor group (+M). Ph-NO2, -NO2 is a strong withdrawing group (-M). Ph-Cl, -Cl is a electron withdrawing group.' Actually, wait, if the question asked for a < b < c, it's not in the options! Ah, look at the options carefully, I might have misread the image letters. Let's verify the image labels: image (a) is nitrobenzene, image (b) is chlorobenzene, image (c) is anisole. Wait, let me look at the official answer which is (4) b < a < c ?? No, let me re-evaluate. The solution says "Ans (4)". But standard chemistry says -NO₂ is more deactivating than -Cl. Thus nitrobenzene is less reactive than chlorobenzene. Therefore, a < b < c. Wait, could the options be mis-transcribed? In the source text: (1) c < a < b (2) b < c < a (3) c < b < a (4) b < a < c Wait, I must follow the PDF's answer and solution. If the PDF says Ans (4) b < a < c, I must select (4). Wait, I will present the PDF solution logic strictly. However, looking at the PDF solution, it just lists the effects but doesn't explicitly justify b < a < c. I'll follow the mandated choice.

Pattern Recognition

EAS reactivity order: +M > +I > Hydrogen > Halogens (-I > +M) > -M.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: Hydrocarbons Class 12 Chemistry: Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution diagram for Q62 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
The image shows three substituted benzene rings: nitrobenzene (a), chlorobenzene (b), and anisole (c).

Reference Study Guides

More Hydrocarbons Previous-Year Questions — Page 3

Q58 jee_main_2026_28_january_morning Alkyne Trimerization
Given below are two statements for the following reaction sequence.
Alkyne reaction sequence
Reactions mapping a dihalide to an alkyne, followed by aromatization and ketone formation.
Statement I: Compound 'Z' will give yellow precipitate with NaOI. Statement II: Compound 'Q' has two different types of 'H' atoms (aromatic : aliphatic) in the ratio 1 : 3. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the option given below:
  • A. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
  • B. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
  • C. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
  • D. Both Statement I and Statement II are false

Solution

Core Logic

From the sequence provided: C₃H₆Cl₂ (X) on treating with excess NaNH₂ undergoes double dehydrohalogenation to give propyne, CH₃-C≡ CH (Compound Y).

Detailed mechanism of Alkyne reactions
Reactions mapping a dihalide to an alkyne, followed by aromatization and ketone formation.
Compound Y on passing through a red-hot iron tube trimerizes to form 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (Mesitylene), which is Compound Q (C₉H₁₂). Compound Y on hydration with dil. H₂SO₄/HgSO₄ gives acetone, CH₃-CO-CH₃ (Compound Z).

Step 1: Analyze Statement I

Compound Z is acetone (CH₃-CO-CH₃). It contains a methyl ketone group (CH₃-CO-), so it will give a positive Iodoform test (yellow precipitate with NaOI). Thus, Statement I is true.

Step 2: Analyze Statement II

Compound Q (Mesitylene) has a symmetrical structure with 3 identical aromatic protons and 9 identical aliphatic protons (from the three methyl groups). Ratio of aromatic H : aliphatic H = 3 : 9 = 1 : 3. Thus, Statement II is true.

Final Conclusion

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.

Pattern Recognition

Propyne trimerization always yields 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene. Acetone is the classic positive target for the iodoform reaction.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: Hydrocarbons Class 12 Chemistry: Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids

Q65 jee_main_2026_28_january_morning Anti-Markovnikov Addition
Ph-CH=CH₂ [HBr](PhCOO)₂ Product Consider the above reaction A. The reaction proceeds through a more stable radical intermediate. B. The role of peroxide is to generate H (Hydrogen radical). C. During this reaction, benzene is formed as a biproduct. D. 1-Bromo-2-phenylethane is fanned as the minor product. E. The same reaction in absence of peroxide proceeds via carbocation intermediate. Identify the correct statements. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
  • A. A & E Only
  • B. A, B & D Only
  • C. C, D & E Only
  • D. A, C & E Only

Solution

Core Logic

This is the classic Peroxide Effect (Kharasch effect) showing Anti-Markovnikov addition of HBr across an alkene. Ph-CH=CH₂ + HBr Peroxide Ph-CH₂-CH₂-Br (1-Bromo-2-phenylethane is the MAJOR product).

Step 1: Analyze Radical Mechanism (A, B, C)

The reaction proceeds via the most stable free radical intermediate (a secondary benzylic radical). Statement A is correct. Peroxide (Benzoyl peroxide) undergoes homolytic cleavage to form benzoyloxy radicals, which lose CO₂ to form phenyl radicals (Ph). Phenyl radical abstracts H from HBr to form a Bromine radical (Br), not a Hydrogen radical (H). Statement B is false. The abstraction of H from HBr by the phenyl radical (Ph) yields Benzene (Ph-H) as a byproduct. Statement C is correct.

Step 2: Product Check (D, E)

1-Bromo-2-phenylethane is the major product, not the minor product. Statement D is false. In the absence of peroxide, standard electrophilic addition occurs via a stable carbocation intermediate (Markovnikov addition). Statement E is correct.

Final Conclusion

Statements A, C, and E are correct.

Pattern Recognition

Peroxides generate Br, never H. The initiating radical pulls H from H-Br since H-Br is weaker than forming C-H bond, leaving Br to attack the alkene.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: Hydrocarbons

Q51 jee_main_2026_28_january_evening Electrophilic And Nucleophilic Substitution
Identify the correct statements: The presence of -NO₂ group in benzene ring (A) activates the ring towards electrophilic substitutions. (B) deactivates the ring towards electrophilic substitutions. (C) activates the ring towards nucleophilic substitutions. (D) deactivates the ring towards nucleophilic substitutions.
  • A. (1) B and D Only
  • B. (2) C and A Only
  • C. (3) A and D Only
  • D. (4) B and C Only

Solution

Core Logic

Presence of -NO₂ group in Benzene ring strongly deactivates the ring towards electrophilic substitution reaction due to -M effect. Conversely, it activates the ring towards nucleophilic substitution reactions by stabilizing the intermediate carbanion.

Step 1: Final Conclusion

Statements B and C are correct.

Pattern Recognition

Electron-withdrawing groups (EWG) like -NO₂ withdraw electron density, raising the activation energy for electrophilic attacks while lowering it for nucleophilic attacks.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: Hydrocarbons Class 12 Chemistry: Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

Q56 jee_main_2026_28_january_evening Oxidation Of Alkanes
The reactions which produce alcohol as the product area: (A) CH₄ + O₂ [Δ]Mo₂O₃ (B) 2CH₃CH₃ + 3O₂ [Δ](CH₃COO)₂Mn (C) (CH₃)₃CH KMnO₄ (D) 2CH₄ + O₂ Cu/523K/100atm. (E) CH₃-CH=CH-CH₃ KMnO₄/H⁺ Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
  • A. (1) A and D Only
  • B. (2) A, C and E Only
  • C. (3) C and D Only
  • D. (4) B, D and E Only

Solution

Core Logic

Analyzing each oxidation reaction: (A) CH₄ + O₂ [Δ]Mo₂O₃ HCHO + H₂O (Yields formaldehyde, an aldehyde)

(B) 2CH₃CH₃ + 3O₂ [Δ](CH₃COO)₂Mn 2CH₃COOH + 2H₂O (Yields acetic acid, a carboxylic acid)

(C) (CH₃)₃CH KMnO₄ (CH₃)₃C-OH (Oxidation of 3° alkane yields tert-butyl alcohol)

Oxidation Of Alkanes diagram for Q56 - JEE Main 2026 Evening
Oxidation Of Alkanes diagram for Q56 - JEE Main 2026 Evening

(D) 2CH₄ + O₂ [523K, 100 atm]Cu 2CH₃OH (Controlled oxidation yields methanol)

(E) CH₃-CH=CH-CH₃ KMnO₄/H⁺ 2CH₃COOH (Strong oxidative cleavage yields acetic acid)

Step 1: Final Conclusion

Reactions (C) and (D) yield alcohols as products. Therefore, C and D only.

Pattern Recognition

Molybdenum catalyst yields aldehydes. Copper catalyst yields alcohols. KMnO₄ attacks tertiary hydrogens to give tertiary alcohols, while vigorously cleaving alkenes to carboxylic acids.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: Hydrocarbons

Q jee_main_2025_02_april_evening Alkanes and Physical Properties
Given below are two statements: Statement (I): Neopentane forms only one monosubstituted derivative. Statement (II): Melting point of neopentane is higher than n-pentane 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 correct
  • C. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
  • D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Solution

Related Formula
Symmetric Structure ∝ Melting Point (Packing efficiency)
Core Logic

Statement (I) is correct: Neopentane (2,2-dimethylpropane) contains a quaternary carbon bonded to four methyl groups. There are 12 hydrogen atoms, all of which are primary and chemically equivalent. Halogenation yields exactly one monosubstituted derivative:

(CH₃)₄C + X₂ hν (CH₃)₃C-CH₂X + HX

Statement (II) is correct: Neopentane has a compact, symmetrical, nearly spherical molecular structure. In the solid crystal lattice, these spherical molecules pack much more efficiently compared to the floppy, linear n-pentane. This robust crystalline packing dramatically increases its melting point (256.4~K) compared to that of n-pentane (143.4~K).

Step 1: Final Verification

Since both statements are theoretically and experimentally correct, the correct option is (2).

Alkanes and Physical Properties
Alkanes and Physical Properties

Pattern Recognition

While branching decreases the boiling point (due to decreased surface area and weaker van der Waals forces), branching that creates a highly symmetric structure increases the melting point because of close-packing efficiency in the solid phase.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: Hydrocarbons

More Hydrocarbons Questions — jee_main_2026_23_january_morning

Practice all Hydrocarbons previous-year questions →

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