Question

What is the reason for the formation of a meta product in the following reaction ?

• A. Aniline is ortho/para directing
• B. Aniline is meta directing
• C. In acidic medium, aniline is converted into anilinium ion, which is ortho/para directing
• D. In acidic medium, aniline is converted into anilinium ion, which is meta directing

Answer 1

The correct option is D

In acidic medium, aniline is converted into anilinium ion, which is meta directing

The explanation for the correct answer

(B)In acidic medium, aniline is converted into anilinium ion, which is meta directing

1. In an acidic medium, aniline is converted into anilinium ion, which is meta directing.
2. Direct nitration of aniline yields tarry oxidation products.
3. 
4. Hence, option D is correct.

The explanation for the incorrect answer

(A)Aniline is ortho/para directing

1. Aniline is otho-para directing as a ${\mathrm{NH}}_2$group is electron-donating.
2. Due to which it is ortho directing, but the reaction conditions that are given are acidic.
3. In acidic conditions, Aniline is meta-directing.
4. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

(B) Aniline is meta directing

1. Aniline is otho-para directing as a ${\mathrm{NH}}_2$group is electron-donating.
2. As reaction conditions that are given are acidic but in this option, it is not mentioned.
3. Thus, it is an incorrect answer.

(C)In an acidic medium, aniline is converted into anilinium ion, which is ortho/para directing

1. Aniline is otho-para directing as a ${\mathrm{NH}}_2$group is electron-donating.
2. But in an acidic medium, it is meta-directing.
3. Thus this is an incorrect answer.

Thus, In acidic medium, aniline is converted into anilinium ion, which is meta directing. So, option D is correct.