Halogenation of which one of the following will yield m-substituted product with respect to methyl group as a major product?
(A)(see structure)
(B)(see structure)
(C)(see structure)✓ Correct
(D)(see structure)
Answer: (C)
Solution
In electrophilic aromatic substitution, the electrophile attacks at positions ortho and para to the stronger electron-releasing group (ERG). The ERG strength order is -OH > -CH₃. In option (C) (o-cresol), the -OH group directs the electrophile to its ortho and para positions. The para position with respect to -OH is meta with respect to -CH₃. Hence, halogenation gives the m-substituted product relative to the methyl group.
JEE Main · 2022 · 26 Jun 2022 · Shift 2 · Single correct option