Question

Identify the product when ethylbenzene reacts with dilute nitric acid.

• A. o-Nitroethylbenzene
• B. p-Nitroethylbenzene
• C. Ethoxybenzene
• D. Benzic acid

Hint:

In electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions, electron-donating groups like alkyl groups direct substitution to the para position.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand the reaction.
Ethylbenzene is an aromatic compound where an ethyl group (\( \text{C}_2\text{H}_5 \)) is attached to a benzene ring. When it reacts with dilute nitric acid, a nitration reaction occurs.

Step 2: Identify the product.
In nitration, the nitronium ion (\( \text{NO}_2^+ \)) attacks the benzene ring, and the position of the incoming nitro group depends on the electron-donating nature of the ethyl group. Ethyl is an electron-donating group, so it directs the incoming nitro group to the para position relative to itself. Hence, the product is \( p \)-nitroethylbenzene.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct product is:
\[ \boxed{(2)\ p-\text{Nitroethylbenzene}} \]