Question

Identify the major product formed from the following reaction?

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Hint:

Methyl group on benzene directs electrophilic substitution to ortho and para positions; \(\text{AgNO}_2\) often introduces a nitroso group (\(\text{NO}\)).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The starting compound is toluene (\(\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH}_3\)). First, \(\text{HNO}_3\) nitrates the ring. The methyl group is ortho-para directing, so the major product is para-nitrotoluene (\(\text{Me}-\text{C}_6\text{H}_4-\text{NO}_2\), \(\text{NO}_2\) at para). Then, \(\text{AgNO}_2\) introduces a nitroso group (\(\text{NO}\)). The methyl group directs the second substitution to the ortho position (relative to \(\text{Me}\)), giving a product with \(\text{Me}\) and \(\text{NO}\) (ortho to \(\text{Me}\)). Option 4, with \(\text{ONO}\) (likely \(\text{NO}\), nitroso), ortho to \(\text{Me}\), matches this. Thus, the correct answer is option 4.