Question

Anisole reacts with HI to give:

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Hint:

Ethers react with HI to form alcohols and alkyl halides. Aryl-oxygen bonds are resistant to cleavage, so only the alkyl part gets replaced.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Anisole (C\(_6H_5OCH_3\)) undergoes cleavage of the C-O bond when treated with hydroiodic acid (HI). The reaction proceeds via the SN1 or SN2 mechanism, depending on the conditions: \[ C_6H_5OCH_3 + HI \rightarrow C_6H_5OH + CH_3I \] Mechanism: 1. The iodide ion (I\( ^- \)) acts as a nucleophile and attacks the methyl group, breaking the ether bond. 2. This forms phenol (C\(_6H_5\)OH) and methyl iodide (CH\(_3\)I). 3. Since the benzene ring is electron-rich, nucleophilic substitution does not occur at the ring. Thus, the final products are phenol and methyl iodide.