Amino group, `-NH_(2)` is ortho, para-directing group in case of aromatic electrophilic substitution but nitration of aniline produce a good amount of m-nitroaniline. This is because

Options

A. In nitration mixture, ortho, para-activity of `NH_(2)` group is completely lost
B. `-NH_(2)` becomes `-NH_(3)^(+)`, which is m-directing
C. `-NH_(2)` becomes `-NH^(+)SO_(4)^(-)` which is m-directing
D. `-NH_(2)` becomes `NH^(-)NO_(2)^(+)`, which is m-directing.

Answer

B

Explanation

On direct nitration of aniline, lone pair of electrons present at nitrogen atom will accept proton from the nitrating mixture to give anilium ion which is meta directing.