Which is the major product of the following reaction?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the Friedel-Crafts reaction, nitration of benzene with a mixture of concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid usually leads to the formation of meta isomer due to the electron-donating effect of the methyl group. However, in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst (such as aluminum chloride), the electrophilic substitution occurs on ortho and para positions more rapidly than on meta positions due to steric factors.

Therefore, the major product of the given reaction would be 1-chloro-3-nitrobenzene (B), where the nitro and chloro groups are in the ortho and para positions, respectively. The formation of 1-chloro-2-nitrobenzene (C) may also occur, but to a lesser extent, as a minor product. The formation of 1-chloro-4-nitrobenzene (A) is not favorable due to the steric hindrance of the chlorine group. Therefore, Option D is also incorrect.

Which Is the Major Product of the Following Reaction