Toluene, which is also known as methylbenzene, undergoes nitration when reacted with mixed acid, typically a mixture of concentrated nitric acid
(HNO3) and concentrated sulfuric acid
(H2SO4). This reaction introduces a nitro group
(−NO2) onto the benzene ring of toluene. The methyl group
(−CH3) attached to the benzene ring is an electron-donating group (EDG) and it activates the ortho ( 2 and 6 ) and para (4) positions on the ring, making them more susceptible to electrophilic substitution reactions.
Among the given options, let's evaluate them in detail:
Option A: This suggests that toluene produces nearly equal amounts of
o nitrotoluene (ortho-nitrotoluene) and
- nitrotoluene (meta-nitrotoluene). However, because the methyl group is an activating and ortho/para-directing group, metanitrotoluene is produced in very minor amounts compared to ortho and para isomers.
Option B: This suggests that the reaction only produces
- nitrotoluene. While the para isomer is one of the products, it is not the only product. The ortho isomer is also formed in significant amounts.
Option C: This option suggests that the reaction predominately produces
nitrotoluene and
p - nitrotoluene. This is correct because the methyl group directs the nitration to the ortho and para positions on the benzene ring.
Option D: This suggests that the reaction produces 2, 4, 6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) only. This is not true at the given condition
(25∘C), as the formation of TNT requires more stringent conditions including higher temperature and multiple steps of nitration.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
Option C: predominantly
- nitrotoluene and
- nitrotoluene