Sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst in the generation of the nitronium ion (NO2+), the active electrophile in the nitration reaction.

The position of the third substituent depends on the nature of the existing substituents; however, ortho and para positions are generally favored for activating groups.

Strong electron-donating groups increase the electron density of the aromatic ring, enhancing its reactivity towards electrophiles.

Chlorosulfonic acid introduces a sulfonyl group at the para position due to the activating effect of the methoxy group.

Bromination of phenol typically occurs at the ortho or para positions, with 2-bromophenol being one of the major products.

Toluene is more reactive than benzene due to the electron-donating methyl group, leading to bromotoluene as the major product.

Electrophilic aromatic substitution primarily follows a mechanism similar to SN1, involving the formation of a carbocation intermediate.

The nitro group (-NO2) is a strong deactivating group due to its electron-withdrawing nature, making the aromatic ring less reactive.