Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): On nitration of m-xylene with \( \text{HNO}_3 \), \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \), followed by oxidation, 4-nitrobenzene-1, 3-dicarboxylic acid is obtained as the major product.
Statement (II): CH\(_3\) group is o/p-directing while NO\(_2\) group is m-directing group.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
• B. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
• C. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• D. Statement I is true but Statement II is false

Hint:

The methyl group (CH\(_3\)) is an electron-donating group that activates the aromatic ring towards electrophilic substitution at the o/p-positions. The nitro group (NO\(_2\)) is an electron-withdrawing group that directs substitution to the meta-position.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

- Statement (I): The nitration of m-xylene with \( \text{HNO}_3 \) and \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \) followed by oxidation indeed gives 4-nitrobenzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid as the major product. This statement is correct. 
- Statement (II): The methyl group (CH\(_3\)) is o/p-directing, meaning it directs electrophilic substitution reactions to the ortho and para positions. The nitro group (NO\(_2\)) is m-directing, meaning it directs electrophilic substitution to the meta position. This is also correct. 
Therefore, both statements are true.