Question

In the following reaction, identify the product D.

• A. o-Nitrobenzoic acid
• B. p-Nitrobenzoic acid
• C. o,p-Dinitrobenzoic acid
• D. m-Nitrobenzoic acid

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The reaction sequence proceeds as follows:

1. Phenol to Benzene (A):

   C₆H₅OH + Zn → C₆H₆ + ZnO

   Phenol is reduced to benzene using zinc dust.

2. Benzene to Toluene (B):

   C₆H₆ + CH₃Cl → C₆H₅CH₃ + HCl

   Benzene undergoes Friedel-Crafts alkylation with methyl chloride and anhydrous AlCl₃ to yield toluene.

3. Toluene to Benzoic Acid (C):

   C₆H₅CH₃ + [O] → C₆H₅COOH

   Toluene is oxidized to benzoic acid using potassium dichromate in an acidic medium.

4. Benzoic Acid to m-Nitrobenzoic Acid (D):

   C₆H₅COOH + HNO₃ → m-C₆H₄(NO₂)COOH + H₂O

   Benzoic acid is nitrated with a mixture of sulfuric and nitric acids to form m-nitrobenzoic acid.

The final product (D) is m-nitrobenzoic acid.