Question

The compound C₇H₈ undergoes the following reactions :

The product ‘C’ is

• A. m-bromotoluene
• B. m-bromotoluene
• C. o-bromotoluene
• D. p-bromotoluene

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine the product 'C', we need to follow the reactions given for the compound C₇H₈ and analyze the transformations step-by-step:

1. The compound C₇H₈ is toluene. The first reaction involves toluene with 3 Cl₂ under heat, which results in the formation of benzotrichloride (C₆H₅CCl₃), represented as product 'A'. This is because chlorine replaces the hydrogen atoms of the methyl group.
2. In the second reaction, benzotrichloride (A) undergoes a reaction with Br₂ in the presence of Fe, which introduces a bromine atom to the benzene ring at the meta position, resulting in m-bromobenzotrichloride, labeled as product 'B'. This is due to the electron-withdrawing nature of the trichloromethyl group, which directs the bromine to the meta position.
3. The third reaction involves reducing the trichloromethyl group of m-bromobenzotrichloride (B) using Zn/HCl, transforming it back into a toluene group while maintaining the meta substitution of bromine. The final product is m-bromotoluene, represented as 'C'.

Thus, the correct product 'C' is m-bromotoluene. This follows the sequence of reactions and the directing effects of the substituents on the aromatic ring.