The methyl group in benzene ring is :

Options

A. Ortho directing
B. Ortho and meta directing
C. Para directing
D. Ortho and para directing

Answer

To determine the directing effects of the methyl group in a benzene ring, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Methyl Group
The methyl group is represented as -CH3. It is a substituent that can affect the reactivity of the benzene ring.

### Step 2: Understand the Nature of the Methyl Group
The methyl group is classified as an electron-donating group (EDG) due to its +I (inductive) effect. This means that it can donate electron density to the benzene ring.

### Step 3: Analyze the Directing Effects
When an electron-donating group is attached to a benzene ring, it influences where new substituents can attach during electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions. The methyl group will stabilize the positive charge that develops during the reaction.

### Step 4: Determine the Positions of Attack
The methyl group donates electrons to the ortho (adjacent) and para (opposite) positions relative to itself on the benzene ring. This is because the electron density is increased at these positions, making them more reactive towards electrophiles.

### Step 5: Draw the Resonance Structures
To visualize the directing effects, we can draw resonance structures showing how the methyl group donates electrons. This will show that the ortho and para positions can stabilize the positive charge that forms during the reaction.

### Step 6: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, we conclude that the methyl group in a benzene ring is ortho- and para-directing. This means that when a new substituent tries to attach to the benzene ring, it will preferentially do so at the ortho and para positions.

### Final Answer
The methyl group in the benzene ring is ortho and para directing.

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