Last edited:
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Why is para the minor product?
- Thread starter njohns24
- Start date
It can add both ortho and para since its a activating group attached to it. This problem is testing you to know that it adds NO2 and not SO3H. Notice there is no answer where NO2 is para. If there was, the answer would be both of them.
yup, that's the only right answer choice. However, I had a question about this myself because I'm worried about getting tripped up on the DAT. Let's say it's just like yours, nitration of toluene and it's asking for the "major product(s)":
A) meta NO2
B) para NO2
C) ortho NO2
D) B and C
would the answer be just B or would it be D? I've seen several times that the para position is slightly favored over the ortho position, so is that the major product? Or does it want both?
In your case, it's the ortho NO2 because like ttpharm said, there's no para NO2 option.
A) meta NO2
B) para NO2
C) ortho NO2
D) B and C
would the answer be just B or would it be D? I've seen several times that the para position is slightly favored over the ortho position, so is that the major product? Or does it want both?
In your case, it's the ortho NO2 because like ttpharm said, there's no para NO2 option.
Think of hindrance the ortho is sterically indering with the methyl group para is less sterically hindered
Sent from my Fascinating ICS
I'd go with this also. Less hindrance on the para position
there is a similar question to this on destroyer and it prefers para position over ortho
the only case where I see ortho is major is when you are adding hydroxy group to a phenol. Then this addition favors ortho instead of para because of Hydrogen bonding between two hydroxy groups.
the only case where I see ortho is major is when you are adding hydroxy group to a phenol. Then this addition favors ortho instead of para because of Hydrogen bonding between two hydroxy groups.
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2011
- Messages
- 1,544
- Reaction score
- 115
I believe if you get a question on the DAT testing ortho vs. para position you will be given a group that is very sterricaly (sp) hindering like a tert butyl group and not just a methyl group. I don't think you will have to worry about the answer being too ambiguous.
