MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

Methoxybenzene (anisole) undergoes electrophilic aromatic substitution when treated with a nitrating mixture (conc. HNO _3 and conc. H _2 SO _4). The - OCH _3 group is an electron-donating group through the +R effect, which increases the electron density at the ortho and para positions of the benzene ring. Thus, it acts as an ortho, para-directing group. Nitration of methoxybenzene yields a mixture of 2-nitroanisole (ortho product) and 4-nitroanisole (para product). Due to steric hindrance at the ortho position caused by the bulky methoxy group, the para product, 4-nitroanisole, is formed as the major product. Answer: 4-Nitroanisole