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Question #44387

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

Consider the bifunctional aromatic compound 4-(4-aminobenzyl)phenol. It is subjected to two separate electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions:

Reaction 1: Treatment with 1 equivalent of Br2Br_2 in CH3COOHCH_3COOH at 298 K yields major product P.

Reaction 2: Treatment with 1 equivalent of conc. HNO3HNO_3 and conc. H2SO4H_2SO_4 at 288 K, followed by mild basic neutralization, yields major product Q.

Identify the major products P and Q.

Options

  • A.

    P = 4-(4-amino-3-bromobenzyl)phenol ; Q = 4-(4-aminobenzyl)-2-nitrophenol

  • B.

    P = 4-(4-aminobenzyl)-2-bromophenol ; Q = 4-(4-amino-3-nitrobenzyl)phenol

  • C.

    P = 4-(4-amino-3-bromobenzyl)phenol ; Q = 4-(4-amino-3-nitrobenzyl)phenol

  • D.

    P = 4-(4-aminobenzyl)-2-bromophenol ; Q = 4-(4-aminobenzyl)-2-nitrophenol

Check Your Answer

Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Mechanism_Trap

Don't get tricked by the process! Learn the mechanical traps used in competitive exam questions.

Concepts Behind This Question

EAS in Phenols|Electrophilic Substitution Control|Ortho-Effect in Anilines

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

This question tests the student's ability to dynamically evaluate relative ring activation in a multi-ring system based on the pH of the reaction medium.

The 'Textbook Rule' states that -NH2 is a stronger activator than -OH.

Students who blindly apply this rule will choose Option C.

The 'Hidden Variable' is the drastic pKa difference between the amine and the phenol.

Under strongly acidic nitration conditions, the amine is protonated to a deactivating -NH3+ group, forcing the electrophile to attack the phenol ring instead.

This perfectly illustrates reagent-controlled regioselectivity.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectChemistry
ChapterAlcohols, Phenols, and Ethers - Class 12
ConceptEAS in Phenols
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load7
Target Solve Time160 sec
AccessFree