Write the major product when 3-methylphenol is subjected to mononitration.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) →
Core Concept:
–OH is a strong activating ortho/para directing group and dominates substitution.
Explanation:
In 3-methylphenol, both –OH and –CH₃ are activating groups and direct incoming electrophile to ortho and para positions.
However, –OH is a much stronger activating group than –CH₃. So nitration mainly occurs at positions ortho or para to –OH. Sterically, para position to –OH is most favourable. Thus major product is nitration para to –OH group.
Option 1
Incorrect because it lacks methyl group.
Option 2
Incorrect because no nitration occurred.
Option 3
Incorrect because nitration is not directed correctly by –OH.
Option 4
Correct because nitration occurs para to –OH group.