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Answer -
NO2 groupis an electron-withdrawing group. Hence, it shows –I effect. By withdrawing theelectrons toward it, the NO2 group decreases thenegative charge on the compound, thereby stabilising it. On the other hand,ethyl group is an electron-releasing group. Hence, the ethyl group shows +Ieffect. This increases the negative charge on the compound, therebydestabilising it. Hence, O2NCH2CH2O– isexpected to be more stable than CH3CH2O–.