Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Organic: Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers

Question:

The major product of the following reaction is

Options:

Correct Answer:

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (4) → 

Core Concept - Friedel-Crafts Alkylation

This is an electrophilic aromatic substitution.

$OCH_3$ group is:

  • Strongly activating
  • Ortho/para directing due to +M (resonance donation)

Electophile formed: $CH_3^+$

So substitution occurs at ortho and para positions relative to $-\text{OCH}_3$.

Now check steric effect

Position

Electronic Effect

Steric Effect

Result

Ortho

Favored

Crowded near $-\text{OCH}_3$

Minor product

Para

Favored

Less steric hindrance

Major product

Meta

Not activated

---

Not formed

Anisole undergoes Friedel-Crafts reaction, i.e., the alkyl and acyl groups are introduced at ortho and para positions by reaction with alkyl halide and acyl halide in the presence of anhydrous aluminium chloride (a Lewis acid) as catalyst.