JEE Main · 2025 · Shift-IImediumHC-142

Given below are two statements: Statement (I): On nitration of m-xylene with HNO3, H2SO4 followed by oxidation,…

Hydrocarbons · Class 11 · JEE Main Previous Year Question

Question

Given below are two statements:

Statement (I): On nitration of mm-xylene with \ceHNO3,H2SO4\ce{HNO3, H2SO4} followed by oxidation, 4-nitrobenzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid is obtained as the major product. Statement (II): \ceCH3\ce{CH3} group is o/p-directing while \ceNO2\ce{-NO2} group is m-directing.

In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Options
  1. a

    Both Statement I and Statement II are true

  2. b

    Statement I is false but Statement II is true

  3. c

    Both Statement I and Statement II are false

  4. d

    Statement I is true but Statement II is false

Correct Answera

Both Statement I and Statement II are true

Detailed Solution

Step 1: Nitration and Oxidation of m-xylene

  • Nitration: In mm-xylene, the two methyl groups are at 1,3-positions. Nitration occurs at the 4-position (para to one methyl and ortho to the other) because it's least sterically hindered compared to the 2-position. This gives 4-nitro-m-xylene.
  • Oxidation: Alkaline \ceKMnO4\ce{KMnO4} oxidizes methyl groups to carboxylic acids. 4-nitro-m-xylene oxidizes to 4-nitrobenzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid. (Statement I is True).
  • Statement II: \ceCH3-\ce{CH3} is indeed o/p-directing and \ceNO2-\ce{NO2} is m-directing. (True).

Answer: (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are true\boxed{\text{Answer: (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are true}}

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