Which of the following compounds undergo nitration most readily?
Correct answer: B. Toluene
- A. Benzene
- B. Toluene
- C. Benzoic acid
- D. Nitrobenzene
Explanation
The correct answer is Toluene. Toluene undergoes nitration much faster than benzene due to the presence of a methyl group. This group donates electron density to the ring, particularly enhancing the reactivity at the ortho and para positions, making the electrophilic aromatic substitution process more favorable.Why the other options are incorrect:Benzene: While benzene can undergo nitration, it lacks activating groups, making it less reactive compared to toluene.Benzoic Acid: The carboxyl group is a deactivating group, reducing electron density in the ring and hindering electrophilic attack.Nitrobenzene: The nitro group is a strong deactivator, making further nitration extremely difficult due to the electron-deficient ring.
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About Benzene and Aromatic Compounds
Benzene has a planar ring of delocalised π electrons, giving aromatic stability and equal carbon-carbon bond lengths. The topic covers resonance, electrophilic substitution reactions such as nitration, halogenation, sulphonation and Friedel-Crafts reactions, along with substituent effects and the distinction between substitution in benzene and addition in ordinary alkenes.
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