Reaction of toluene and nitric acid
 

Hi all,

Love the forum. Can anyone tell me where the reaction takes place on toluene when its reacted with nitric acid?

The methyl group on the toluene (methylbenzene) repels electrons and directs reactivity to the ortho and para (2 and 4) positions. You'll end up with nitrotoluene and the NO₂ group will appear mainly in either the ortho or para position. You'll get a much lower proportion of meta-nitrotoluene.

is NO2 activating? or deactivating? highy or weakly?