Question

What will be the expected product of the nitration of toluene?

1) Ortho-nitrotoluene
2) Meta-nitrotoluene
3) Para-nitrotoluene
4) All of the above

Answer 1

The nitration of toluene typically yields a mixture of ortho-nitrotoluene, meta-nitrotoluene, and para-nitrotoluene, with ortho and para being the more common products due to the directing effects of the methyl group on the benzene ring.

Step-by-step explanation:

The expected product of the nitration of toluene includes all of the following isomers: 1) Ortho-nitrotoluene, 2) Meta-nitrotoluene, 3) Para-nitrotoluene. The methyl group (CH3) on the toluene benzene ring is an activating and ortho/para-directing group. During the nitration process, the nitro group (NO2) can be added to the ortho, meta, and para positions relative to the methyl group. Thus, all three isomers are formed, with ortho and para isomers usually being favored over the meta isomer due to the electronic effects of the methyl group.