The compounds P, Q and S Q s were separately subjected to nitration using \(\mathrm{HNO}_{3} / \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\) mixture. The major product formed in each case respectively, is

(C) (see structure) (see structure) (see structure)

(A) (see structure) (see structure) (see structure)

(B) (see structure) (see structure) (see structure)

(D) (see structure) (see structure) (see structure)

JEE Advanced · 2010 · 11 Apr 2010 · Paper 2 · Hydrocarbons

The compounds P, Q and S

Q

s

were separately subjected to nitration using

HNO_{3} / H_{2} SO_{4}

mixture. The major product formed in each case respectively, is

Answer: (C)

For electrophilic aromatic substitution (nitration):

P (p-hydroxybenzoic acid): OH is strongly activating and ortho/para-directing, but COOH is meta-directing. OH dominates, giving ortho-nitro product (ortho to OH, which is meta to COOH).
Q (p-cresol methyl ether, anisole): OCH₃ is strongly activating and ortho/para-directing. With a methyl group already at para position, nitration occurs at the ortho position to OCH₃.
S (phenyl benzoate): The ester group is deactivating and meta-directing on the phenyl ring attached to oxygen, giving meta-nitro product.

Option C shows the correct regiochemistry for all three compounds.

JEE Advanced · 2010 · 11 Apr 2010 · Paper 2 · Single correct option