In the nitration of anisole, which product is formed as the major product?

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Multiple Choice

In the nitration of anisole, which product is formed as the major product?

Anisole has a methoxy group that donates electrons into the ring, activating it for electrophilic nitration and directing substitution to positions ortho and para to the methoxy group. Among these, the para position is favored because the attack there avoids crowding near the methoxy substituent, giving the nitronium ion easier access and a more stable arenium ion intermediate. The ortho product does form but in smaller amounts due to steric hindrance from the methoxy group. Nitration at meta is disfavored for this activating director, and nitration on the oxygen isn’t the normal outcome. So the major product is para-nitroanisole.

Anisole has a methoxy group that donates electrons into the ring, activating it for electrophilic nitration and directing substitution to positions ortho and para to the methoxy group. Among these, the para position is favored because the attack there avoids crowding near the methoxy substituent, giving the nitronium ion easier access and a more stable arenium ion intermediate. The ortho product does form but in smaller amounts due to steric hindrance from the methoxy group. Nitration at meta is disfavored for this activating director, and nitration on the oxygen isn’t the normal outcome. So the major product is para-nitroanisole.

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