In the nitration of toluene, what is the major product formed?

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Question: In the nitration of toluene, what is the major product formed?

Options:

Correct Answer: Para-nitrotoluene

Solution:

The major product is para-nitrotoluene due to steric hindrance at the ortho position, making the para position more favorable for substitution.

In the nitration of toluene, what is the major product formed?

In the nitration of toluene, what is the major product formed?

Step 1: Understand that toluene is a benzene ring with a methyl group (CH3) attached to it.
Step 2: Know that nitration involves adding a nitro group (NO2) to the benzene ring.
Step 3: Recognize that there are two possible positions for the nitro group to attach: the ortho position (next to the methyl group) and the para position (across from the methyl group).
Step 4: Consider steric hindrance, which means that the size of the methyl group makes it harder for the nitro group to attach at the ortho position.
Step 5: Conclude that because of steric hindrance, the nitro group is more likely to attach at the para position.
Step 6: Therefore, the major product formed in the nitration of toluene is para-nitrotoluene.

Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution – The reaction mechanism where an electrophile replaces a hydrogen atom on an aromatic ring.
Regioselectivity – The preference for substitution at a particular position on the aromatic ring, influenced by steric and electronic factors.
Steric Hindrance – The effect of spatial arrangement of atoms that can hinder reactions at certain positions on a molecule.