Electrophillic addition

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Mstoothlady2012

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If the question were to ask what would be the MAJOR product when toluene reacts with H2SO4/HNO3, what would you pick? Ortho or Para? and why?

Thanks!
 
If the question were to ask what would be the MAJOR product when toluene reacts with H2SO4/HNO3, what would you pick? Ortho or Para? and why?

Thanks!
I would choose para b/c it is more stable due to less repulsion of electron.I think no matter what whenever you have ortho para direction you should choose para.I might be wrong though!
 
I would choose para b/c it is more stable due to less repulsion of electron.I think no matter what whenever you have ortho para direction you should choose para.I might be wrong though!

You are correct, although some profs will argue that ortho is a major product since you have 2 available spots Vs 1.

But in all the books, it will say para wins due to sterics and etc.
 
You are correct, although some profs will argue that ortho is a major product since you have 2 available spots Vs 1.

But in all the books, it will say para wins due to sterics and etc.
yea I always thought para would be more stable as well (less hinderence) but apparently kaplan says ortho. So I was just confused as what to select if it appears on the exam, which I hope it doesn't!
 
I would pick a mixture between the two. There isnt one major product so that question is wrong. The DAT would never ask such an ambiguous question. They can ask which is more stable but they wouldnt ask what is the major product.
 
and just to clarify one more thing your title says electrophilic addition but aromatic rings don't undergo electrophilic additions because that would ruin it aromaticity. Aromatics substitute one sigma bond for another (electrophilic substitution).
 
and just to clarify one more thing your title says electrophilic addition but aromatic rings don't undergo electrophilic additions because that would ruin it aromaticity. Aromatics substitute one sigma bond for another (electrophilic substitution).
Thnx! you are right!
 
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