Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Organic: Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers

Question:

What happens when anisole reacts with a mixture of concentrated sulphuric and nitric acids?

Options:

2-Nitroanisole is produced

4-Nitroanisole is produced

3-Nitroanisole is produced

2,4-Dinitroanisole is produced

Correct Answer:

4-Nitroanisole is produced

Explanation:

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.