Question

Anisole reacts with concentrated H\(_2\)SO\(_4\) and HNO\(_3\) to yield a mixture of \(\underline{\hspace{2cm}}\)

Hint:

Methoxy groups (like in anisole) are activating groups that direct electrophilic substitution to the ortho and para positions on the benzene ring.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the reaction.
Anisole (methoxybenzene) reacts with concentrated H\(_2\)SO\(_4\) and HNO\(_3\) to undergo nitration, which substitutes a nitro group (-NO\(_2\)) on the aromatic ring. The reaction typically gives a mixture of ortho and para products due to the electron-donating effect of the methoxy group.

Step 2: Conclusion.
The reaction yields a mixture of ortho and para products.