Q40 / 150 · MHT CET 2026 (11 April Shift 1) · Chemistry
Which from following is obtained as major product when methoxybenzene is treated with nitrating mixture?
- A2-Nitroanisole
- Correct answerB4-Nitroanisole
- C4-Nitrophenol
- D2-Nitrophenol
Solution
Methoxybenzene (anisole) undergoes electrophilic aromatic substitution when treated with a nitrating mixture (conc. $\text{HNO}_3$ and conc. $\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4$).
The $-\text{OCH}_3$ group is an electron-donating group through the $+R$ effect, which increases the electron density at the ortho and para positions of the benzene ring. Thus, it acts as an ortho, para-directing group.
Nitration of methoxybenzene yields a mixture of 2-nitroanisole (ortho product) and 4-nitroanisole (para product).
Due to steric hindrance at the ortho position caused by the bulky methoxy group, the para product, 4-nitroanisole, is formed as the major product.
Answer: 4-Nitroanisole
The $-\text{OCH}_3$ group is an electron-donating group through the $+R$ effect, which increases the electron density at the ortho and para positions of the benzene ring. Thus, it acts as an ortho, para-directing group.
Nitration of methoxybenzene yields a mixture of 2-nitroanisole (ortho product) and 4-nitroanisole (para product).
Due to steric hindrance at the ortho position caused by the bulky methoxy group, the para product, 4-nitroanisole, is formed as the major product.
Answer: 4-Nitroanisole
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.