The major product of dinitration of 3-methylphenol is

Options

A.
B.
C.
D.

Explanation

To determine the major product of the dinitration of 3-methylphenol, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the structure of 3-methylphenol
3-methylphenol is a phenolic compound where a methyl group (-CH3) is attached to the benzene ring at the meta position relative to the hydroxyl group (-OH). The structure can be represented as follows:

```
OH
|
CH3 - C6H4
```

### Step 2: Understand the dinitration process
Dinitration involves the introduction of two nitro groups (-NO2) into the aromatic ring. The nitro group is an electrophile and will react with the aromatic compound. In this case, the nitro group is ortho and para directing due to resonance stabilization.

### Step 3: Determine possible positions for substitution
Given that 3-methylphenol has the -OH group at position 1 and the -CH3 group at position 3, we can identify the possible positions for the nitro group:
- **Ortho positions**: 2 and 4 (relative to -OH)
- **Para position**: 6 (relative to -OH)

### Step 4: Evaluate the possible products
1. **Both nitro groups at ortho positions (2, 4)**:
```
NO2
|
CH3 - C6H4 - NO2
```
2. **One nitro group at ortho (2) and one at para (4)**:
```
NO2
|
CH3 - C6H4 - NO2
```
3. **One nitro group at para (4) and one at ortho (2)**:
```
NO2
|
CH3 - C6H4 - NO2
```

### Step 5: Analyze steric hindrance
When considering the steric hindrance:
- The product with both nitro groups at the ortho positions will have significant steric hindrance due to the proximity of the bulky nitro groups.
- The product with one nitro group at ortho and one at para will have less steric hindrance compared to the first option.

### Step 6: Determine the major product
Considering the steric hindrance and the stability of the products, the major product will be the one with one nitro group at the ortho position and one at the para position. This arrangement minimizes steric hindrance while allowing for resonance stabilization.

### Final Answer:
The major product of the dinitration of 3-methylphenol is:
- **3-methyl-2,4-dinitrophenol** (with -NO2 at positions 2 and 4 relative to the -OH group).

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