Quick EAS ortho/para question from destroyer

[nonociceptors]

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#235 from the 2014 edition of the ochem section shows a benzene with a COOH and a CH3 attached at opposite ends (as far apart as possible). the reagents are Br2 and FeBr3 and the question asks to complete the product. the answer says CH3 will direct the Br to be added ortho (not para since that spot is taken by the COOH). I know CH3 is a weak activator but COOH is a moderate deactivator, so isn't moderate >>> weak, thus COOH would be the director and the Br would then be added meta? This would be the same resulting product, but I'd like to know if weak activators still overrule moderate/strong deactivators. Thanks!

 

[tertbuo]

Activators always trump deactivators without regard to the strength of the activator or deactivator.

 

[mkhan27]

Activators always trump deactivators without regard to the strength of the activator or deactivator.

👍 Agree

 

[nonociceptors]

thanks, i had a feeling it was something really basic like that