What is the product (s) formed when toulene reacts with $Cl_2$ in presence of anhydrous $AlCl_3$?

ortho and para chlorotoluene

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:

1. Benzyl chloride → Formed when Cl₂ + light/heat (free radical side chain chlorination), not AlCl₃.
2. Benzal chloride → (C₆H₅CHCl₂) → Side chain, excess Cl₂ + light.
3. Only para-chlorotoluene → Wrong, both ortho and para are formed (para is major, but ortho is also significant).