Write the major product when 3-methylphenol is subjected to mononitration.

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.