Question

Draw the two major products obtained when toluene undergoes monobromination?

Answer 1

When toluene undergoes monobromination, the two major products obtained are ortho-bromotoluene (2-bromotoluene) and para-bromotoluene (4-bromotoluene). The methyl group on the toluene ring directs the bromine atom to these positions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Toluene is an aromatic compound that can undergo monobromination. When toluene reacts with bromine, the bromination can occur at different positions on the benzene ring. There are two major products obtained:

1. The first product is ortho-bromotoluene, where the bromine atom is attached to the carbon atom in the ortho position relative to the methyl group. This is also known as 2-bromotoluene.
2. The second product is para-bromotoluene, where the bromine atom is attached to the carbon atom in the para position relative to the methyl group. This is also known as 4-bromotoluene.

These two major products are obtained because the methyl group on the toluene ring directs the incoming bromine atom to these positions. The ortho and para positions are favored due to stability factors and the electronic properties of the substituents.