Question

Analyzing the following reaction, ascertain the final product:

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Hint:

Phosphorous acid is commonly used to reduce nitro groups to hydroxyl groups in aromatic compounds, especially under mild conditions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Identifying the reaction type.
In this reaction, phosphorous acid (\( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_2 \)) is used as a reducing agent. The nitro group (\( \text{NO}_2 \)) is typically reduced to an amine group (\( \text{NH}_2 \)) under certain conditions, but in the presence of phosphorous acid, it gets reduced to a hydroxyl group (\( \text{OH} \)) instead.
Step 2: Reaction Mechanism.
The nitro group (\( \text{NO}_2 \)) in the aromatic ring is reduced by phosphorous acid. The phosphorous acid acts as a reducing agent and reduces the nitro group to a hydroxyl group (\( \text{OH} \)) rather than reducing it to an amine (\( \text{NH}_2 \)) or other products. The product formed is \( \text{CH}_3 - \text{C} - \text{OH} \).
Step 3: Conclusion.
Therefore, the final product of the reaction is the methylated phenol (i.e., \( \text{CH}_3 - \text{C} - \text{OH} \)).