Question

In the following reaction, the reason for why meta-nitro product also formed is:

Options

• Formation of anilinium ion

• −NO₂ substitution always takes place at meta-position.

• low temperature

• −NH₂ group is highly meta-directive.

Answer 1

Formation of anilinium ion

Explanation:

During aniline nitration in the presence of an acid, the −NH₂ group is protonated and converted to \[\ce{NH^+3}\] (anilinium ion being electron withdrawing group gives meta product).