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.
This question appeared on the ETEA MDCAT 2014 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? [email protected]
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.
Practise Chemistry of Hydrocarbons
1,091 free Chemistry of Hydrocarbons MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this
Chemistry is on 14 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Benzene and Aromatic Compounds questions
Which of the following substitutents is an Ortho and Para director and ring deactivating?
When acetylene is passed through hot iron tube at 400 oC, it gives:
Benzene reacts with acetyl chloride in the presence of lewis acid forming:
Select cresol out of the following benzene derivatives?
Select meta directing group of the following?
Which group when attached to benzene will increase its reactivity: