Question

In the following reaction, identify the product D.

• A. o-Nitrobenzoic acid
• B. p-Nitrobenzoic acid
• C. o,p-Dinitrobenzoic acid
• D. m-Nitrobenzoic acid

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

You've correctly outlined the steps of the reaction sequence. Here's a summary of the reactions and products:

1. Reduction of Phenol to Benzene (A):

   C₆H₅OH + Zn → C₆H₆ + ZnO

   Phenol reacts with zinc dust to produce benzene.

2. Friedel-Crafts Alkylation of Benzene (A) to Toluene (B):

   C₆H₆ + CH₃Cl → C₆H₅CH₃ + HCl

   Benzene reacts with methyl chloride in the presence of anhydrous AlCl₃ to produce toluene.

3. Oxidation of Toluene (B) to Benzoic Acid (C):

   C₆H₅CH₃ + [O] → C₆H₅COOH

   Toluene is oxidized by potassium dichromate in acidic medium to produce benzoic acid.

4. Nitration of Benzoic Acid (C) to m-Nitrobenzoic Acid (D):

   C₆H₅COOH + HNO₃ → m-C₆H₄(NO₂)COOH + H₂O

   Benzoic acid reacts with a mixture of sulfuric acid and nitric acid to produce m-nitrobenzoic acid.

Therefore, the final product (D) is indeed m-nitrobenzoic acid.