What happens when anisole reacts with a mixture of concentrated sulphuric and nitric acids?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is option 2. 4-Nitroanisole is produced.
When anisole (methoxybenzene) reacts with a mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and nitric acid, it undergoes an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction known as nitration. The methoxy group \((-OCH_3)\) is an activating group and directs the incoming nitro group \((-NO_2)\) to the ortho and para positions of the benzene ring due to its electron-donating effects.
Reaction:
The nitration of anisole typically yields a mixture of ortho and para nitroanisole. However, due to steric hindrance, the para product is usually the major product.
