A compound X with molecular formula `C_7H_8` is treated with `Cl_2` in presence of `FeCl_3`. Which of the following compounds are formed during the reaction?

Options

A.
B.
C.
D.

Explanation

To solve the problem step by step, we need to analyze the given compound \( C_7H_8 \) and its reaction with \( Cl_2 \) in the presence of \( FeCl_3 \).

### Step 1: Identify the Structure of Compound X
The molecular formula \( C_7H_8 \) suggests that the compound could be a derivative of toluene, which has the structure:
- A benzene ring (C6H6) with a methyl group (CH3) attached.
- The structure can be represented as:
\[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH}_3 \]

### Step 2: Understand the Reaction Conditions
The reaction involves \( Cl_2 \) and \( FeCl_3 \):
- \( FeCl_3 \) acts as a catalyst and helps in generating the electrophile \( Cl^+ \) from \( Cl_2 \).
- This reaction is a type of electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS), where the electrophile (chlorine) will replace one of the hydrogen atoms on the aromatic ring.

### Step 3: Determine the Electrophilic Substitution Mechanism
In electrophilic aromatic substitution:
- The electrophile \( Cl^+ \) will attack the benzene ring.
- The position of substitution will depend on the nature of the substituents on the ring. Since the methyl group (–CH3) is an electron-donating group, it will direct the incoming electrophile to the ortho and para positions.

### Step 4: Identify the Possible Products
The substitution can occur at:
- **Ortho position**: where the chlorine atom replaces a hydrogen atom adjacent to the methyl group.
- **Para position**: where the chlorine atom replaces a hydrogen atom opposite the methyl group.

Thus, the products formed will be:
1. **Ortho-chlorotoluene** (Cl at ortho position)
2. **Para-chlorotoluene** (Cl at para position)

### Step 5: Determine the Major Product
- The para product is generally favored due to less steric hindrance compared to the ortho product.
- Therefore, while both ortho and para products are formed, the para product is the major product.

### Conclusion
The compounds formed during the reaction of \( C_7H_8 \) with \( Cl_2 \) in the presence of \( FeCl_3 \) are ortho-chlorotoluene and para-chlorotoluene, with para-chlorotoluene being the major product.

### Final Answer
The compounds formed are ortho-chlorotoluene and para-chlorotoluene.

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