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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