What is the stereochemistry of the product formed when 1,2-dimethylbenzene undergoes electrophilic substitution?

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Q: What is the stereochemistry of the product formed when 1,2-dimethylbenzene undergoes electrophilic substitution?

Solution: Electrophilic substitution on 1,2-dimethylbenzene can lead to two different stereoisomers due to the presence of two methyl groups.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand that 1,2-dimethylbenzene is a benzene ring with two methyl groups attached to the first and second carbon atoms.
Step 2: Recognize that electrophilic substitution is a reaction where an electrophile replaces a hydrogen atom on the benzene ring.
Step 3: Identify that the two methyl groups on the benzene ring can influence the position where the electrophile will attach.
Step 4: Realize that the electrophile can attach to either the carbon atom adjacent to the methyl groups (ortho position) or the carbon atom opposite to the methyl groups (para position).
Step 5: Note that the ortho and para positions lead to different spatial arrangements of the substituents, resulting in two different stereoisomers.
Step 6: Conclude that the stereochemistry of the product formed can be either ortho or para, leading to two distinct stereoisomers.