Question

The major product X formed in the following reaction sequence is:

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

This reaction sequence involves a series of transformations:

1. Chlorination: Chlorination of the ethylbenzene ring will occur preferentially at the para position due to the activating effect of the ethyl group and the deactivating meta-directing nature of the nitro group.
2. Reduction: Reduction of the nitro group (-NO₂) to an amino group (-NH₂) using tin and hydrochloric acid (Sn/HCl).
3. Diazotization: The amino group is converted into a diazonium group (-N₂⁺) using sodium nitrite and hydrochloric acid (NaNO₂/HCl) at a low temperature (273-278 K).
4. Sandmeyer Reaction: The diazonium group is replaced by an iodide (I) using potassium iodide (KI) via a Sandmeyer reaction. This replacement occurs at the same position as the original amino group (and thus the nitro group).
   Thus, we have 4-iodo-1-ethyl-2-chlorobenzene.