What is the product (s) formed when toulene reacts with $Cl_2$ in presence of anhydrous $AlCl_3$?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → ortho and para chlorotoluene
Reaction:
Toluene (C₆H₅CH₃) + Cl₂ → (anhydrous AlCl₃) → ortho-chlorotoluene + para-chlorotoluene
Explanation (Short & Clear):
- Reagent: Cl₂ + anhydrous AlCl₃ → This is electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS) on the benzene ring.
- Directive effect: The –CH₃ group in toluene is ortho-para directing and activating.
- Products formed:
- ortho-chlorotoluene (major, ~40%)
- para-chlorotoluene (major, ~60%)
- (Very little meta, negligible)
Why other options are wrong:
- Benzyl chloride → Formed when Cl₂ + light/heat (free radical side chain chlorination), not AlCl₃.
- Benzal chloride → (C₆H₅CHCl₂) → Side chain, excess Cl₂ + light.
- Only para-chlorotoluene → Wrong, both ortho and para are formed (para is major, but ortho is also significant).