The reaction of toluene with `Cl_(2)` in presence of `FeCl_(3)` gives predominantly :

Options

A. benzoyl chloride
B. benzyl chloride
C. o-and p-chlorotoluene
D. m-chlorotoluene

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the reaction of toluene with Cl₂ in the presence of FeCl₃, we can break down the process step by step:

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants
We start with toluene (C₇H₈), which is a methyl-substituted benzene, and chlorine gas (Cl₂). The presence of iron(III) chloride (FeCl₃) acts as a catalyst in this reaction.

**Hint:** Remember that toluene is a benzene ring with a methyl group (–CH₃) attached to it.

### Step 2: Understand the Reaction Type
The reaction of toluene with Cl₂ in the presence of FeCl₃ is an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction. The FeCl₃ helps generate the electrophile (Cl⁺) from Cl₂.

**Hint:** Electrophilic aromatic substitution involves the replacement of a hydrogen atom on the benzene ring with an electrophile.

### Step 3: Electrophile Formation
In the presence of FeCl₃, chlorine gas (Cl₂) dissociates to form the electrophile Cl⁺. The FeCl₃ coordinates with Cl₂, facilitating the generation of Cl⁺ ions.

**Hint:** The role of FeCl₃ is crucial as it activates the chlorine molecule to form a more reactive electrophile.

### Step 4: Electrophilic Attack
The Cl⁺ ion attacks the benzene ring of toluene. The methyl group (–CH₃) is an activating group and directs the electrophilic substitution primarily to the ortho (adjacent) and para (opposite) positions relative to itself.

**Hint:** The methyl group increases electron density at the ortho and para positions, making them more reactive towards electrophiles.

### Step 5: Formation of Products
The reaction will yield two major products: ortho-chlorotoluene and para-chlorotoluene. The ortho product has chlorine at the 2-position, and the para product has chlorine at the 4-position.

**Hint:** Consider the stability of the products; steric hindrance can affect the ratio of ortho to para products.

### Step 6: Determine Predominance
While both ortho and para products are formed, the para product is generally more stable due to less steric hindrance compared to the ortho product. Therefore, the predominant product will be para-chlorotoluene.

**Hint:** When comparing steric effects, the para position usually leads to a more stable product than the ortho position.

### Final Answer
The reaction of toluene with Cl₂ in the presence of FeCl₃ predominantly gives para-chlorotoluene.

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