The major product of nitration of Benzoic acid is -

Options

A. 3-nitrobenzoic acid
B. 4-nitrobenzoic acid
C. 2-nitrobenzoic acid
D. 2,4-dintrobenzoic acid

Answer

To determine the major product of the nitration of benzoic acid, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Benzoic Acid
Benzoic acid has the formula C6H5COOH. The structure consists of a benzene ring (C6H5) attached to a carboxylic acid group (COOH).

### Step 2: Identify the Nitration Conditions
Nitration of benzoic acid involves using a nitrating mixture, typically concentrated nitric acid (HNO3) and concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4). This mixture generates the nitronium ion (NO2+), which acts as the electrophile in the reaction.

### Step 3: Recognize the Nature of the COOH Group
The carboxylic acid group (COOH) is an electron-withdrawing group. This means it pulls electron density away from the benzene ring, making the ring less reactive towards electrophilic substitution reactions.

### Step 4: Determine the Directing Effects of the COOH Group
Since the COOH group is electron-withdrawing, it directs incoming electrophiles to the meta position of the benzene ring during electrophilic substitution. This is because the meta position is less hindered by the electron-withdrawing effect compared to the ortho and para positions.

### Step 5: Predict the Major Product
When benzoic acid undergoes nitration, the nitronium ion (NO2+) will substitute at the meta position relative to the COOH group. Therefore, the major product of the nitration of benzoic acid will be meta-nitrobenzoic acid.

### Conclusion
The major product of the nitration of benzoic acid is **meta-nitrobenzoic acid**.

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