Which of the following monoalkylbenzenes undergo nitration in HNO₃/H₂SO₄ to yield a product mixture with the highest ortho : para ratio?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ortho:para ratio of the nitration product mixture is determined by the steric hindrance of the alkyl group. The more hindered the alkyl group, the lower the ortho:para ratio. Of the given choices, toluene has the least hindered alkyl group, so it will have the highest ortho:para ratio.

Which of the Following Monoalkylbenzenes Undergo Nitration in HNO3/H2SO4 to Yield

Which of the Following Monoalkylbenzenes Undergo Nitration in HNO₃/H₂SO₄ to Yield