Toluene reacts with a halogen in the presence of iron(III) chloride, giving ortho and para halo compounds. What is the reaction called?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Electrophilic substitution reaction
In the presence of the Lewis acid, the halogen attacks the ring as an electrophile and replaces a ring hydrogen. The methyl group directs it to the ortho and para positions:
\( \displaystyle \ce{C6H5CH3 + Cl2} \xrightarrow{\ce{Fe/FeCl3}} \ce{ClC6H4CH3 + HCl} \)
(o- and p-chlorotoluene)
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
6.5 Preparation of Haloarenes – “(i) From hydrocarbons by electrophilic substitution
Aryl chlorides and bromides can be easily prepared by electrophilic substitution of arenes with chlorine and bromine respectively in the presence of Lewis acid catalysts like iron or iron(III) chloride.”