Identify the major product formed in the following reaction. Chlorobenzene Cl ₂ Anhydrous FeCl ₃ Product

Step-by-step solution

Chlorobenzene undergoes electrophilic aromatic substitution with Cl₂ and anhydrous FeCl₃ , which generates the electrophile Cl^+ . The chlorine substituent is ortho-para directing due to resonance stabilization of the intermediate arenium ion, despite its inductive electron-withdrawing effect that deactivates the ring. The para product 1,4-dichlorobenzene is favored over the ortho isomer due to reduced steric hindrance, while meta substitution is minimal. The major product is therefore 1,4-dichlorobenzene , corresp