Question:

Sulfonation of benzene with excess sulfuric acid provides

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All groups with a double/triple bond to an electronegative atom directly attached to the ring (like $-\text{NO}_2, -\text{CN}, -\text{COOH}, -\text{SO}_3\text{H}$) are meta-directing.
Updated On: May 1, 2026
  • benzenesulfonic acid
  • p-benzenedisulfonic acid
  • o-benzenedisulfonic acid
  • m-benzenedisulfonic acid
  • decomposition of benzene
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Sulfonation is an electrophilic aromatic substitution. The $-\text{SO}_3\text{H}$ group is strongly electron-withdrawing and deactivating, which influences the position of a second substituent.

Step 1:
{The first sulfonation step.} Benzene reacts with $H_2SO_4/SO_3$ to form benzenesulfonic acid. The sulfonic acid group ($-\text{SO}_3\text{H}$) is now attached to the ring.

Step 2:
{Identify the directing effect of the $-\text{SO}_3\text{H}$ group.} The sulfonic acid group is a meta-directing and deactivating group. This is because it withdraws electron density from the ortho and para positions through resonance.

Step 3:
{Determine the product of further sulfonation.} With excess sulfuric acid and heat, a second sulfonation occurs. The second electrophile ($SO_3$) will be directed to the meta position relative to the first sulfonic acid group. The final product is m-benzenedisulfonic acid.
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