Question

Why does p-nitrochlorobenzene undergo displacement reactions readily with attack of nucleophilic HO^{Θ ion}?

Answer 1

Aryl halides undergo nucleophillic displacement reactions readily when a strong electron withdrawing group like –NO₂ is present at ortho or para positions. When p-nitrochlorobenzene reacts with alkali, p-nitrophenol is obtained when –NO₂ group at para position with respect to halogen, then mechanism of reaction is as follows.