Question

The reaction toluene with chlorine in presence of ferric chloride gives predominantly____________.

• A. Benzoyl chloride
• B. m-chlorotoluene
• C. benzyl chloride
• D. o- and p-chlorotoluene

Answer 1

The correct option is D o- and p-chlorotoluene

In presence of FeCl3 and in dark, electrophilic substitution on benzene ring by $C{l}^{+}$ ion at ortho and para positions occurs to give o- and p-chlorotoluene.

Since the methyl group activates the ring at ortho and para position more than meta position, the electrophilic substitution occurs mostly at these positions.

Again, amongst these, the para isomer is the major product due to steric reasons.

Hence the correct option is D.