Identify the major product of the following reaction.

Step-by-step solution

The given reaction is a nucleophilic aromatic substitution ( S_ N Ar ) where the methoxide ion ( CH₃O⁻ ) acts as the nucleophile. The substrate, 1,2-dichloro-3,5-dinitrobenzene, has two chlorine atoms that can potentially act as leaving groups. The regioselectivity of the reaction is determined by the stability of the intermediate Meisenheimer complex (carbanion). Numbering the carbon atoms of the benzene ring starting with the top chlorine as C1 and the left chlorine as C2, the nitro groups are at C3 and C5. If th