What is the major product when anisole (methoxybenzene) undergoes nitration?

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Question: What is the major product when anisole (methoxybenzene) undergoes nitration?

Options:

Correct Answer: Nitroanisole (para)

Solution:

The major product is para-nitroanisole due to the electron-donating effect of the methoxy group, which directs the electrophile to the para position.

What is the major product when anisole (methoxybenzene) undergoes nitration?

What is the major product when anisole (methoxybenzene) undergoes nitration?

Step 1: Understand what anisole is. Anisole is a compound that has a benzene ring with a methoxy group (-OCH3) attached to it.
Step 2: Know what nitration means. Nitration is a chemical reaction where a nitro group (-NO2) is added to a compound.
Step 3: Identify the positions on the benzene ring. The benzene ring has six positions: ortho (next to the substituent), meta (one position away), and para (opposite the substituent).
Step 4: Recognize the effect of the methoxy group. The methoxy group is an electron-donating group, which means it makes the benzene ring more reactive towards electrophiles like the nitro group.
Step 5: Determine where the nitro group will attach. Because the methoxy group is electron-donating, it directs the nitro group to the para position more than the ortho position.
Step 6: Conclude the major product. The major product of the nitration of anisole is para-nitroanisole, where the nitro group is attached to the para position of the benzene ring.

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